Despite the stalemate in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume yesterday began his campaign in Owerri, insisting that he was the authentic governorship candidate.

Speaking with reporters at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Araraume, who was received by thousands of PDP members, said justice must prevail in the primary, which he insisted he won, “although the Electoral Committee returned the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, as winner.”

He described as unfounded, the speculation that President Goodluck Jonathan anointed a particular candidate, saying the President always insisted on justice and fair play.

Araraume said: “It is not true that the President is supporting a candidate. He has always insisted on justice and fair play in determining who wins the Imo PDP governorship primary. I have had meetings with him and he is insisting that justice should be done.”

The campaign, which started from the airport, resulted in gridlock on major roads, as Araraume’s supporters showed solidarity.