Owerri- Former Interior Minister, retired Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, on Monday emerged the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo.
Iheanacho polled 972 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Okey Ezeh, who scored 44 votes, while Mr Eze Unegbu got three votes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the primary election was held in the hall of RosyArt Theatre, Ikenegbu, Owerri, amid tight security.
Journalists were barred from entering the hall where delegates from the 27 local government areas cast their votes.
Ihenacho told NAN at his Orlu Road, Owerri residence, where his supporters were entertained, that he was overwhelmed by the level of support he received.
Chief John Ezuma, a member of the party, told NAN that the party considered the pedigree of all the aspirants before the choice of Iheanacho.
“APGA did not want to field a candidate the Imo electorate will not like to have as a governor because of some basic leadership qualities that might be lacking in the person.
“That was basically the major consideration of the delegates before the party settled for Iheanacho,’’ Ezuma said.
He urged the people of Imo to massively support the ex-minister during the 2015 election, adding that Imo required an experienced leader like him. (NAN)
