Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu Zone) primary election, defeating former Governor Rochas Okorocha in a landslide victory.

Uzodimma polled 230,464 votes, while Okorocha scored 1,098 votes in the Option A4 primary conducted on Monday.

The primary election, held across the state, also saw some aspirants in Imo North and Imo East senatorial districts stepping down in favour of consensus candidates, including Alex Mbata and incumbent Senator Patrick Ndubueze.

However, in Orlu Zone, Okorocha insisted on contesting against the governor, leading to a direct showdown at the polls.

The result was announced at the party’s collation headquarters in Orlu Local Government Area by the Chairman and Returning Officer of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Imo State, Rear Admiral Williams Kayode (retd.).

According to him, Uzodimma recorded a sweeping victory across all 12 local government areas in the Orlu Senatorial Zone.

In a statement signed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya Jones, the party said voting took place across 305 wards in the state, while collation of results was ongoing across senatorial districts.

The party noted that several aspirants withdrew from the race before voting commenced, describing their action as voluntary and a contribution to party unity.

It also commended those who participated in the exercise, saying the process reflected internal democracy and commitment to strengthening the party.

The APC further appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for monitoring the exercise, as well as security agencies and party members who participated in ensuring a smooth primary election process.