Four serving members of the House of Representatives have lost their bids to return to the National Assembly after failing to secure APC tickets during the party’s primaries in Imo State ahead of the 2027 elections.
The primary elections, held across the state’s 10 federal constituencies on Saturday using the Option A4 voting system, produced a major political shake-up with a mix of fresh faces and returning lawmakers emerging victorious.
Among the lawmakers who lost their return tickets are Matthew Nwogu representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala, Miriam Odinaka Onuoha of Okigwe South, Harrison Anozie Nwadike representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele, and Emeka Martins Chinedu of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte.
The outcome immediately sparked reactions within political circles, as some of the defeated lawmakers were widely seen as influential figures within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
Candidates who emerged from the exercise include Ngozi Pat-Ekeji for Aboh/Ngor-Okpala, Chukwudi Anyanwuocha for Ahiazu/Ezinihitte, Sandra Inyama for Ideato North/South, Canice Moore Nwachukwu Omeogo for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East, Jonas Okeke for Okigwe South, Uchenna Agasu for Okigwe North, Dibiagwu Eugene for Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru-West, Cosmos Maduba for Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba, Akarachi Amadi for Mbaike, and Tochi Okere for Owerri Federal Constituency.
Ahead of the primaries, Hope Uzodinma had assured party stakeholders that the process would respect zoning arrangements and the state’s charter of equity. Speaking during an APC stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Owerri, the governor insisted the party would not impose candidates on members.
Uzodinma said although every party member had the constitutional right to contest, the APC also had a responsibility to preserve internal agreements that have helped maintain political balance across constituencies and zones in the state.
He explained that the Option A4 voting system was adopted to improve transparency, credibility and participation during the primaries. According to him, the method would allow party members to openly determine who emerges as candidates for various elective positions.
The governor also disclosed that nine aspirants purchased forms for the senatorial primaries, while 107 others obtained forms to contest House of Assembly seats across the state.
He further stated that women and youths were given priority consideration during the exercise in line with broader calls for inclusive governance, while assuring male aspirants that the arrangement would not undermine fairness in the process.
Uzodinma urged all aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith, reminding party members that elections naturally produce both winners and losers.
