By Anthony
Kindly share:
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) primaries in Imo North Senatorial Zone turned into a massive show of unity, confidence and grassroots support as candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly seats emerged unopposed amid jubilant celebrations across the zone.
The candidates arrived to a rousing reception from enthusiastic constituents who trooped out in large numbers from various wards across Okigwe South, singing solidarity songs and expressing optimism for what many described as a new political dawn for the zone.
The exercise commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Odinaka Okereke, who prayed for divine clarity, direction and victory for the candidates and the people.
“God dispels confusion and brings clarity and direction. Because we believe in the name above every other name, every contrary force shall bow. By this time next year, may God make impossibility possible for His glory,” he declared.
The kola nut was later blessed by Pastor Amobi after its presentation, while voting and counting were conducted openly in real time before party faithful and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
At the Ehime Mbano State Constituency primary, Hon. Obinwanne Onwuchuruba polled 163 votes to emerge as the ADP candidate unopposed, while Barr. Charles Chibuike Onyirimba secured 313 votes to clinch the party’s ticket for the Imo North Senatorial seat.
Speaking after his emergence, Onwuchuruba expressed deep gratitude to God and the constituents for the confidence reposed in him.
“I thank God who gives power to whom He wills. I appreciate the men, women and youths of our constituency for this honour. I am confident of victory and I will not disappoint the people. ADP victory is assured,” he said.
For Onyirimba, who had spent years teaching and interpreting lawmaking for Nigerians, the time had come for him to participate fully in the legislative process.
In his acceptance speech, and following the women’s solidarity songs that heralded his emergence, Onyirimba declared that the hand of God would guide the candidates to success.
“This is a bright and beautiful day. A new chapter is being written for Okigwe Zone. Okigwe will rise again. Through our collective decision, Okigwe can become better and greater than ever imagined,” he stated.
He said a new narrative was emerging where young people across the zone would be given opportunities to develop their God-given potential.
“I have presented myself to help rescue the system, and today you have declared your support for me before the people and before INEC. I am going to Abuja to represent you, and I promise not to disappoint you. I will remain an open-door representative who listens to the people and extends a helping hand,” Onyirimba assured.
At the Ihitte Uboma primaries, Hon. Ohakelem polled 292 votes to emerge as the ADP candidate for the Ihitte Uboma State Constituency, while Bishop Ekurume secured 297 votes to emerge as the party’s candidate for the Ihitte Uboma, Ehime Mbano and Obowo Federal Constituency seat. Both candidates were returned unopposed.
In his remarks, Ohakelem thanked the people of Ihitte Uboma for the honour done to him and assured them of quality representation.
“Ihitte Uboma is about to experience a new life. I urge our people to come out en masse during the general elections and vote for all ADP candidates — House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and President,” he said.
Bishop Ekurume, while accepting the nomination, described the moment as one of many important steps ahead.
“I wholeheartedly accept this nomination. I thank God, the party officials, INEC, my co-candidates and all our supporters for this confidence,” he stated.
Also speaking, Onyirimba described the ADP candidates as young men committed to genuine service and helping people without seeking personal gain.
He called on constituents across the zone to rally behind the party’s candidates, assuring them that the movement represented a sincere mission to reposition Okigwe Zone for progress, inclusion and development.
The event climaxed with a motion of support and endorsement overwhelmingly adopted by party faithful amid chants of solidarity and victory songs.
