2019 Imo State gubernatorial election#Results
{{Short description|2019 gubernatorial election in Imo State, Nigeria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election
| country = Nigeria
| flag_image = {{flagicon|NGA}}
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2015 Imo gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2015
| next_election = 2023 Imo gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2023
| election_date = 9 March 2019
| turnout = {{strike|33.28%}}
| image_size =
| image1 = File:Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (cropped).png
| nominee1 = {{strike|Emeka Ihedioha}}
| running_mate1 = {{strike|Gerald Iroha}}
| party1 = {{strike|People's Democratic Party}}
| popular_vote1 = {{strike|273,404}}
| percentage1 = {{strike|38.29%}}
| image2 = File:Uche Nwosu.jpg
| nominee2 = {{strike|Uche Nwosu}}
| running_mate2 = {{strike|Ihim}}
| party2 = {{strike|Action Alliance}}
| popular_vote2 = {{strike|190,364}}
| percentage2 = {{strike|26.66%}}
| map_image =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| title = Governor
| before_election = Rochas Okorocha
| before_party = All Progressives Congress
| after_election = {{strike|Emeka Ihedioha}}
| after_party = People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)
}}
The 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election in Nigeria occurred on 9 March 2019.{{Cite news |url=https://m.guardian.ng/politics/2019-imo-guber-65-candidates-jostle-to-take-over-from-okorocha/amp/ |title=2019 Imo Guber: 65 candidates jostle to take over from Okorocha |last=Osuji |first=Collins |location=Owerri |date=3 March 2019 |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 April 2021}} PDP's Emeka Ihedioha polled 38.29% of the total votes, defeating AA's Uche Nwosu who got 26.66% of popular votes, and several minor party candidates. Out of 27 LGAs, Ihedioha won in 11, while Nwosu won in 10.{{Cite news |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/imo-governorship-why-uche-nwosu-withdrew-case-against-ihedioha/ |title=Imo governorship: Why Uche Nwosu withdrew case against Ihedioha |publisher=The Nation |access-date=15 April 2021}}
Ihedioha emerged winner at the gubernatorial primary after defeating Samuel Anyanwu.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/2019-and-imo-gubernatorial-election/ |title=2019 and Imo gubernatorial election |date=21 February 2019 |publisher=Sun Online News |access-date=15 April 2021}} His running mate was Gerard Iroha.{{Cite web|url=https://rainbownigeria.com/2020/10/08/state-governors-and-their-deputies-2/?_gl=1*1ks7sm*_ga*a3BDcWhmU3phVndTOUdnVVRxci10eVBOdC1uTmtXemRFN3Q3OHkxYk9WWHc4MnAtVDdnWEVyVXFERjFtVGV4cw..|title=State Governors and Their Deputies|author=Emmanuel, Odang|website=Rainbow Nigeria|access-date=31 May 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213338/https://rainbownigeria.com/2020/10/08/state-governors-and-their-deputies-2/?_gl=1*1ks7sm*_ga*a3BDcWhmU3phVndTOUdnVVRxci10eVBOdC1uTmtXemRFN3Q3OHkxYk9WWHc4MnAtVDdnWEVyVXFERjFtVGV4cw..|url-status=dead}}
Of the 70 candidates who aspired for the governorship seat, 66 were male, four were female.
Ten months later, on 14 January 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria reached a unanimous decision that the election results had been tampered with by the fact that the hundreds of thousands of votes, from a shocking 388 polling stations, had not been included; the Court immediately voided Ihedioha's supposed election and confirmed that Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress party{{snd}}originally shown in fourth place{{snd}}was the top vote-getter and true Governor of IMO State. Uzodinma And his running mate, Placid Njoku, were sworn in the next day as Governor and Deputy Governor of Imo State, respectively.
Electoral system
The Governor of Imo State is elected using the plurality voting system.
Primary election
=PDP primary=
The PDP primary election earlier scheduled for 30 September 2018{{Cite news |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/09/28/imo-pdp-group-reconciles-ihedioha-anyanwu-ahead-of-guber-primary/ |title=Imo PDP Group Reconciles Ihedioha, Anyanwu Ahead of Guber Primary |date=28 September 2018 |last=Uneze |first=Amby |location=Owerri |publisher=This Day Live |access-date=12 April 2021}} began by 4:00 pm on Monday 1 October and ended about 4:30 am Tuesday 2 October 2018, held at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, Owerri. Over 3,000 delegates were present from the 27 LGAs of the state. Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha emerged winner with 1,723 delegate votes defeating closest rival, Samuel Anyanwu, Senator representing Imo East with 1,282 votes. The exercise was declared to be peaceful by the chairman gubernatorial primaries committee in Imo State, Emma Nwala,{{Cite news |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/287834-ihedioha-emerges-imo-pdp-governorship-candidate.html |title=Imo PDP governorship candidate |last=Eze |first=James |date=2 October 2018 |publisher=Premium Times |access-date=12 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://punchng.com/ihedioha-emerges-imo-pdp-gov-candidate/ |title=Ihedioha emerges Imo PDP gov candidate |date=2 October 2018 |publisher=News Agency of Nigeria |website=Punch |access-date=12 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thecable.ng/ihedioha-ex-deputy-speaker-wins-imo-pdp-guber-ticket/amp |title=Ihedioha, ex-deputy speaker, wins Imo PDP guber ticket |publisher=News Agency of Nigeria |website=The Cable |date=2 October 2018 |access-date=13 April 2021}} with jubilation in the air due to the election's conduct{{Cite news |url=http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=21729 |title=Imo PDP: A Word With Ihedioha, Sam Daddy |last=Ekpe |first=Henry |date=18 October 2018 |publisher=Imo Trumpeta |access-date=13 April 2021}} (although the delegates election was said to have been marked with irregularities{{Cite news |url=https://dailytrust.com/pdp-chieftain-protests-outcome-of-imo-delegate-election |title=PDP Chieftain Protests Outcome Of Imo Delegates Election |last=Alade |first=Abiodun |date=15 September 2018 |publisher=Daily Trust |access-date=13 April 2021}}). However, Anyanwu was said to have rejected the result and called for the cancellation and rerun of same.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/in-imo-pdp-the-past-is-the-present/ |title=In Imo PDP, the past is the present |date=5 October 2018 |last=Madumere |first=Chidi |work=The Sun |access-date=12 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://m.guardian.ng/politics/hope-dims-for-lagos-pdp-as-protests-rock-imo-delegates-primary/amp/ |title=Hope dims for Lagos PDP as protests rock Imo delegates primary |last=Ogugbuaja |first=Charles |location=Owerri|date=17 September 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=13 April 2021}} The only female contestant was also reported to have taken legal action against the winner.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/272634/imo-pdp-guber-controversy-female-aspirant-irene-ottih-drags.html |title=Imo Pdp Guber Controversy: Female Aspirant Irene Ottih Drags Ihedioha, Ors To Court, Wants Conciliation Of Imo Pdp Guber Primary. |date=15 November 2018 |last=Chikaenele |first=Azubuike |publisher=The Nigerian Voice |location=Abuja |access-date=13 April 2021}} Other contestants include Athan Achonu who polled 63 votes, Prof. Jude Njoku 21 votes, Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN) 7 votes and Chukwuemeka Ezeji 1 vote.{{Cite news |url=https://businessday.ng/ng-election/article/emeka-ihedioha-wins-imo-pdp-guber-primaries/ |title=Emeka Ihedioha wins Imo PDP guber primaries |publisher=News Agency of Nigeria |website=Business Day |access-date=12 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.concise.ng/full-results-of-imo-pdp-guber-primary/ |title=Full Results Of Imo PDP Guber Primary |last=Sunday |first=Philips |date=2 October 2018 |publisher=Concise |access-date=13 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://innonews.com.ng/2018/02/imo-guber-2019-33-governorship-aspirants-emerge/ |title=Imo Guber 2019: 33 Governorship Aspirants Emerge |date=25 February 2018 |publisher=Innonews |access-date=16 April 2021}}
=Candidates=
- Party nominee: Emeka Ihedioha: Incumbent governor.
- Running mate: Gerald Irona.{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/2019-imo-pdp-tasks-inec-on-credible-election/ |title=2019: Imo PDP tasks INEC on credible election |date=7 November 2018 |last=Alozie |first=Chinonso |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=12 April 2021}}
- Samuel Anyanwu
- Athan Achonu
- Prof. Jude Njoku
- Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN)
- Chukwuemeka Ezeji
- Irene Ottih
=APC primary=
The APC primary elections in Imo State was as reported, "unsettling the party".{{Cite news |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201810210001.html |title=Nigeria: Disquiet in Imo APC Over Primaries |date=21 October 2018 |last=Mgbeahuruike |first=Emmanuel |website=All Africa |publisher=Leadership |location=Abuja |access-date=9 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/illegal-primaries-imo-apc-loses-federal-legislative-seat-to-pdp/ |title=APC loses federal legislative seat to PDP |last=Obiejesi |first=Kingsley |date=27 May 2019 |publisher=ICIR |access-date=10 April 2021}} This could be traced back to few weeks before the election.{{Cite news |url=https://leadership.ng/imo-aspirants-reject-direct-apc-primaries/?amp=1 |title=Imo Aspirants Reject Direct APC Primaries |publisher=Leadership |access-date=10 April 2021}} It was held from 30 September to 1 October 2018 "amidst confusion".{{Cite news |url=https://www.thecable.ng/confusion-as-imo-apc-guber-primary-fails-to-commence-after-9-hours/amp |title=Confusion as Imo APC guber primary fails to commence after 9 hours |last=Shibayan |first=Dyepkazah |date=1 October 2018 |publisher=TheCable |access-date=10 April 2021}} Two of the ten contestants, Uche Nwosu and Hope Uzodinma, were declared winners, consecutively, leading to a state of confusion.{{Cite news |url=https://m.guardian.ng/news/controversy-as-rochas-son-in-law-declares-himself-winner-of-imo-apc-guber-primary/ |title=Controversy as Rochas' son-in-law declares himself winner of Imo APC guber primary |last=Fowowe |first=Solomon |date=2 October 2018 |publisher=Guardian |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/imo-primary-uche-nwosu-emerges-apc-governorship-candidate-okorocha-for-senate/ |title=Imo Primary: Uche Nwosu Emerges APC Governorship Candidate, Okorocha For Senate |last=Ojonugwa |first=Aina |date=7 October 2018 |publisher=The Will |access-date=10 April 2021}}
Uzodinma was declared winner by the Chairman of Imo State governorship primary electoral committee, Ahmed Gulak, and said to have polled 423,895 votes, Prince Eze Madumere 128,325 votes, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu 10,329 votes, Sir George Eche 16,597 votes, Engr. Chuks Ololo 13,645 votes, Sir Jude Ejiogu 12,369 votes, Peter Gbujie 12,329 votes, Barr. Chima Anozie 11,071 votes, and Chris Nlemoha 9,253 votes. Nine of the 12 committee members, however, were said to have "disowned" him and declared Uche Nwosu winner. At the party's Secretariat in Owerri, nevertheless, the result, as announced by the committee secretary, Hon. Henry Idahagbon, had Uche Nwosu polling 455,655 votes, Air Commodore Peter Gbujie (rtd) 9,351 votes. The APC governorship primaries in Imo State was thereupon suspended from the party's national headquarters, with no reason given.{{Cite news |url=https://dailytrust.com/2019-controversy-as-uzodinma-nwosu-claims-victory-in-imo-apc-governorship-primaries |title=2019: Controversy As Uzodinma, Nwosu Claims Victory In Imo APC Governorship Primaries |last=Kehinde |first=Opeyemi |date=2 October 2018 |publisher=Daily Trust |access-date=9 April 2021}}
Vanguard Nigeria reported the electoral committee chairman, Ibrahim Agbabiaka, announcing Uche Nwosu, the former Chief of Staff to Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha, as winner of the 2018 governorship primary in which he contested alongside nine others, at about 3:20 AM, having said to have polled 269,524 votes, Chuks Ololo 6,428 votes, Peter Gbujie 4,855 votes, Eze Madumere 2,646 votes, Jude Ejiogu 3,456 votes, Chima Anozie 3,248 votes, George Eche 2,454 votes, and Chris Nlemoha 925 votes. The results were not, however, accepted by a coalition of aspirants called the Imo Allied forces,{{Cite web |url=https://pem4imo.com/2018/10/07/madumere-opts-out-of-rescheduled-imo-guber-primaries-backs-hope/ |title=Madumere opts out of rescheduled Imo guber primaries, backs Hope |publisher=Pem4Imo |access-date=20 April 2021}} headed by Senator Hope Uzodinma and Eze Madumere, who claimed they were excluded from the process, even though the electoral chairman said, as he announced the results that all nine governorship aspirants were part of the process. Gulak, who earlier announced Nwosu won later returned to support the results announced by Agbaziaka.{{Cite news |url= https://dailypost.ng/2018/10/02/imo-apc-primary-gulak-explains-went-missing-reveals-true-winner-election/ |title=Imo APC primary: Gulak explains how he went missing, reveals true winner of election |date=2 October 2018 |last=Nwachukwu |first=John Owen |publisher=Daily Post |access-date=10 April 2021}}
The aggrieved party confessed to going to court to "stop" the primaries.{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/breaking-nwosu-declared-winner-of-imo-apc-guber-primary/ |title=Breaking: Nwosu declared winner of Imo APC guber primary |date=7 October 2018 |last=Alozie |first=Chinonso |location=Owerri |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=9 April 2021}} Five of the aspirants later in October 2018 gave support to Uzodinma as being the winner,{{Cite news |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/imo-apc-primaries-5-governorship-aspirants-support-sen-uzodinma-as-winner/n5gtk9t |title=5 governorship aspirants support Sen. Uzodinma as winner |date=6 October 2018 |last=Adeyeye |first=Seun |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=9 April 2021}} alongside a court ruling which went in his favor.{{Cite news |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/imo-apc-primaries-court-affirms-uzodimma-as-imo-guber-candidate/ |title=Imo APC primaries: Court affirms Uzodimma as Imo guber candidate |last=Adisa |first=Taiwo |location=Abuja |date=11 October 2018 |publisher=Tribune Online |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://punchng.com/court-adjourns-case-on-imo-apc-gov-primaries-indefinitely/ |title=Court adjourns case on Imo APC gov primaries indefinitely |date=23 October 2018 |publisher=News Agency of Nigeria |website=Punch |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/court-adjourns-indefinitely-suit-on-imo-apc-governorship-primary/ |title=Court adjourns indefinitely suit on Imo APC governorship primary |website=The Nation |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=21519 |title=Commotion in Imo APC Over Final Lists Of Candidates {{!}} Attention Shifts to Abuja For Planned Harmonization, Automatic tickets |date=8 October 2018 |last=Agu |first=Thompson |location=Abuja |publisher=Trumpeta |access-date=10 April 2021}}
Uche Nwosu later in December 2018 dumped APC and went ahead to become AA's gubernatorial candidate for the state,{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/breaking-okorochas-son-in-law-uche-nwosu-dumps-apc-joins-aa/ |title=Breaking: Okorocha's son-in-law, Uche Nwosu dumps APC, joins AA |date=4 December 2018 |last=Ogbonna |first=Anthony |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/imo-guber-nwosu-dumps-apc-for-aa/ |title=Imo guber: Nwosu dumps APC for AA |date=5 December 2018 |author1=Nkwopara, Chidi |author2=Alozie, Chinonso |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/governorship-election-election-promises-of-imo-top-three-guber-candidates/ |title=Governorship election: election promises of Imo top three guber candidates |last=Akinremi |first=Rebecca |date=9 March 2019 |publisher=ICIR |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/309014-why-buhari-campaigned-for-apc-aa-in-imo-presidency.html |title=Why Buhari campaigned for APC, AA in Imo – Presidency |last=Tukur |first=Sani |date=31 January 2019 |publisher=Premium Times |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/2019-aa-buhari-will-sweep-the-polls-in-imo-reps-candidate/amp/ |title=2019: AA, Buhari will sweep the polls in Imo -Reps Candidate |date=9 December 2018 |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2018/12/09/2019-aa-buhari-will-win-in-imo-reps-candidate/ |title=2019: AA, Buhari will win in Imo- Reps candidate |publisher=The News |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/imo-speaker-18-others-dump-apc-aa/ |title=Imo Speaker, 18 others dump APC for AA |publisher=The Nation |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://peopleandpowerngr.com/2018/12/18-imo-lawmakers-dump-apc-pdp-for-aa/ |title=18 Imo Lawmakers Dump APC and PDP for AA |publisher=PEOPLE & POWER |date=7 December 2018 |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://innonews.com.ng/2018/12/nwosu-aa-will-form-next-imo-govt/ |title=Nwosu: AA Will Form Next Imo Govt |work=Innonews |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=20 April 2021}} but not without having to contend in a legal battle with Myke Ikoku, the party's earlier nominee for the race, and other issues.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/imo-guber-court-to-determine-authentic-aa-candidate-march-21/ |title=Imo guber: Court to determine authentic AA candidate March 21 |date=6 March 2019 |last=Onyejiuwa |first=George |publisher=Sun News Online |location=Owerri |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=22426 |title=FRESH TROUBLE FOR NWOSU, As AA GUBER CANDIDATE, OKOLIENTA GOES TO COURT |date=3 December 2018 |publisher=Imo Trumpeter |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/aa-chairman-rejects-uche-nwosu-as-imo-guber-candidate/ |title=AA Chairman rejects Uche Nwosu as Imo Guber candidate |publisher=Tribune Online |date=6 December 2018 |access-date=20 April 2021}} Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Imo State, who led a mass deflection alongside 17 others into the party,{{Cite news |url=https://m.guardian.ng/politics/18-imo-lawmakers-dump-pdp-apc/amp/ |title=18 Imo lawmakers dump PDP, APC |last=Erezi |first=Dennis |date=6 December 2018 |publisher=Guardian |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2018/12/06/breaking-17-imo-lawmakers-speaker-defect-from-apc-pdp/ |title=Imo Speaker, 17 Other Lawmakers Defect From APC, PDP |publisher=Channels TV |access-date=20 April 2021}} became his running mate.{{Cite news |url=http://www.imotrumpeta.com/?p=22458 |title=Imo Speaker, Ihim Becomes AA Deputy Guber Candidate .As Iheanetu, Agbim, Ukoha Dump PDP, join APC Lawmakers To New Party |date=6 December 2018 |publisher=Imo Trumpeter |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://punchng.com/aa-imo-deputy-gov-candidate-join |title=AA Imo deputy gov candidate joins PDP |last=Okeoma |first=Chidiebube |date=13 June 2019 |publisher=Punch |access-date=20 April 2021}}
=Candidates=
- Party nominee: Hope Uzodinma.{{Cite news |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/2019-governorship-election-7-key-candidates-in-imo-akwa-ibom-kaduna/c1xln3b |title=7 key governorship candidates contesting in Imo, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna |date=8 March 2019 |last=Toromade |first=Samson |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=20 April 2021}}
- Running mate: .
- Uche Nwosu (Deflected)
- Chuks Ololo
- Peter Gbujie
- Eze Madumere
- Jude Ejiogu
- Chima Anozie
- George Eche
- Chris Nlemoha
Results
A total of 70 candidates registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest in the election.{{Cite news |url=https://www.legit.ng/1197793-2019-imo-pdp-governorship-candidate-ihedioha-forms-alliance-apga-gubernatorial-aspirant.html |title=2019: Imo governorship seat to be keenly contested as PDP, APGA form alliance against Okorocha |last=Ososanya |first=Tunde |date=12 October 2021 |publisher=Legit.ng |access-date=16 April 2021}} PDP ex-lawmaker governorship aspirant, Senator Emeka Ihedioha, won election for a first term polling 273,404 votes, defeating AA's Uche Nwosu who came second with 190,364 votes,{{Cite news |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/imo-guber-dead-voters-voted-ihedioha-in-mbaise-nwosu-aa-candidate-alleges/ |title=Imo guber: Dead voters voted Ihedioha in Mbaise, Nwosu, AA candidate alleges |date=6 May 2019 |last=Uzoaru |first=Stanley |location=Owerri |publisher=Sun News Online |access-date=16 April 2021}} Ifeanyi Araraume of APGA third with 114,676 votes, Hope Uzodinma of APC fourth with 96,458 votes, and several minority party candidates.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-47506748 |title=Emeka Ihedioha: INEC don declare PDP candidate winner of Imo Govnorship election |date=11 March 2019 |publisher=BBC News |language=pcm |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/03/11/breaking-inec-declares-pdps-candidate-ihedioha-winner-of-imo-governorship-election/ |title=Breaking: INEC declares PDP's candidate, Ihedioha winner of Imo governorship election |last=Ugbodaga |first=Kazeem |date=11 March 2019 |website=Prime News Nigeria |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://punchng.com/imo-election-pdps-ihedioha-leads-with-70000-votes/ |title=Imo election: PDP's Ihedioha leads with 70,000 votes |last=Adepegba |first=Adelani |date=11 March 2019 |publisher=Punch |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.ndr.org.ng/imo-guber-tussle-ripples-over-supreme-courts-mathematical-flaw/ |title=Imo Guber Tussle: Ripples Over Supreme Court's Mathematical Flaw |date=18 January 2020 |publisher=Nigeria Democratic Reports |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://businessday.ng/ng-election/article/pdp-fumes-over-delayed-collation-announcement-of-results-in-imo/ |title=PDP fumes over delayed collation, announcement of results in Imo |last=Agbajileke |first=Owede |location=Abuja |date=10 March 2019 |publisher=Business Day |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://dailypost.ng/2019/03/12/pdps-emeka-ihedioha-floors-aa-apc-wins-imo-governorship-election/ |title=PDP's Emeka Ihedioha floors AA, APC, wins Imo governorship election |date=12 March 2019 |last=Odunsi |first=Wale |publisher=Daily Post |access-date=16 April 2021}} The AA candidate's candidature was later invalidated by a court, for violating the section 37 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) by obtaining nomination from two parties, APC and AA.{{Cite news |url=https://businessday.ng/politics/article/court-sets-aside-nomination-of-uche-nwosu-as-governorship-candidate/ |title=Court sets aside nomination of Uche Nwosu as governorship candidate |last=Omohomhion |first=Felix |date=19 August 2019 |publisher=Business Day |access-date=10 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/08/19/double-loser-court-nullifies-okorochas-son-in-law-candidacy-for-imo-gov-race/ |title=Double loser: Court nullifies Okorocha's son-in-law candidacy for Imo gov. race |publisher=PM NEWS |date=19 August 2019 |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.watchdogng.com/2019/08/shockerabuja-court-nullifies-uche-nwosus-candidature-of-aa-15/ |title=Shocker!Abuja Court Nullifies Uche Nwosu's Candidature Of "AA" |date=19 August 2019 |publisher=Watchdog Newspaper |access-date=20 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/aa-rejects-court-ruling-on-uche-nwosu/ |title=AA rejects court ruling on Uche Nwosu |date=23 August 2019 |publisher=Sun News Online |access-date=20 April 2021}} Likewise, the APC was said to have no candidate for the election,{{Cite news |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/no-apc-governorship-candidate-in-imo-okorocha/c3bb8hn |title=No APC governorship candidate in Imo – Okorocha |date=8 December 2018 |last=Ebuzor|first=Chika |publisher=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=13 April 2021}} hence, the PDP candidate's victory.{{Cite news |url=http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/27/court-nullifies-apcs-victory-declares-pdp-candidate-winner-imo-reps-seat |title=Court Nullifies APC's Victory, Declares PDP Candidate Winner Of Imo Reps Seat |date=27 May 2019 |publisher=Sahara Reporters |location=New York |access-date=10 April 2021}}
The total number of registered voters in the state was 2,221,008 while 823,743 voters were accredited. Total number of votes cast was 739,485, while total number of valid votes was 714,355. Total rejected votes were 25,130.{{Cite news |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/319665-breaking-pdps-ihedioha-wins-imo-governorship-election.html |title=PDP's Ihedioha wins Imo governorship election |last=Alabi |first=Mojeed |date=12 March 2019 |publisher=Daily Times |access-date=14 April 2021}}{{Cite web |url=https://nigeriaelections.stearsng.com/state/IM/governor/2019 |title=2019 General Elections {{!}} Governorship Election Results |website=Stears |access-date=14 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://m.guardian.ng/news/inec-declares-pdp-emeka-ihedioha-winner-of-imo-governorship-election/ |title=INEC declares PDP Emeka Ihedioha, winner of Imo Governorship Election |date=12 March 2019 |publisher=News Agency of Nigeria |website=Guardian |access-date=15 April 2021}}
{{Election results
|cand1=Emeka Ihedioha|party1=People's Democratic Party (PDP)|votes1=273404
|cand2=Uche Nwosu |party2=Action Alliance (AA)|votes2=190364
|cand3=Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume|party3=All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)|votes3=114676
|cand4=Hope Odidika Uzodinma|party4=All Progressives Congress (APC)|votes4=96458
|cand5=Ikedi Godson Ohakim|party5=Accord (A)|votes5=6846
|cand6=Humphrey Anumudu|party6=Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)|votes6=3999
|cand7=Nwosu Brady Chijioke|party7=Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA)|votes7=2491
|cand8=Okechukwu Theodore Ezeh|party8=Social Democratic Party (SDP)|votes8=2253
|cand9=Nnaemeka Lawrence Nwankwo|party9=Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA)|votes9=1979
|cand10=Ukaegbu Joseph Ikechukwu|party10=Labour Party (LP)|votes10=1658
|cand11=Aguocha Chidiebere|party11=Advanced Allied Party (AAP)|votes11=1657
|cand12=Omeogu-Ogbuta Chidiebere|party12=African Action Congress (AAC)|votes12=1628
|cand13=Nwulu-Onyeulo Anthony Chinedu|party13=United Progressive Party (UPP)|votes13=1466
|cand14=Okonya Edward Chukwuka|party14=All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP)|votes14=1345
|cand15=Agwu Justin Ifeanyi|party15=People for Democratic Change (PDC)|votes15=1064
|cand16=Ekwerike Alphonsus I. N.|party16=Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP)|votes16=981
|cand17=Nwadigo Chris C.|party17=People's Party of Nigeria (PPN)|votes17=919
|cand18=Ibe Kyrian Uchenna|party18=Democratic People's Congress (DPC)|votes18=798
|cand19=Daniel Nwabueze Osuegbu|party19=Peoples Coalition Party (PCP)|votes19=762
|cand20=Chukwu Ejike Lucky|party20=African Democratic Congress (ADC)|votes20=738
|cand21=Edoziem Clinton Chibuike|party21=Allied Peoples Movement (APM)|votes21=688
|cand22=Anuchauka Godswill Ikemefula|party22=National Rescue Movement (NRM)|votes22=673
|cand23=Osuji Aloysius Osondu|party23=Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA)|votes23=570
|cand24=Okorie Linus Chinedu|party24=Young Progressive Party (YPP)|votes24=527
|cand25=Obioma Success Akagburuonye|party25=Action Democratic Party (ADP)|votes25=413
|cand26=Ofoegbu Godwin Chidi|party26=Privodence People's Congress (PPC)|votes26=335
|cand27=Olehi Ngozi Chido|party27=All Grassroots Alliance (AGA)|votes27=318
|cand28=Ibe Mercy Adaku|party28=Democratic People's Party (DPP)|votes28=271
|cand29=Francis Beluchukwu|party29=National Unity Party (NUP)|votes29=269
|cand30=Francis Chike Ugorji|party30=Restoration Party of Nigeria (RP)|votes30=255
|cand31=Oparaocha Bruno Chidiebere|party31=Action People's Party (APP)|votes31=244
|cand32=Tony Onyerugbulem|party32=Freedom and Justice Party (FJP)|votes32=243
|cand33=Stephen N. Ohiri|party33=Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN)|votes33=242
|cand34=Uwakwe Elvis|party34=National Conscience Party (NCP)|votes34=221
|cand35=Friday Odinaka Emereonwu|party35=Advanced Congress of Democracts (ACD)|votes35=204
|cand36=Nwaiwu Henry Chinemere|party36=United Patriots (UP)|votes36=190
|cand37=Mba Anthony Onyegbula|party37=Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD)|votes37=183
|cand38=Paschal Ejiogu|party38=Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN)|votes38=171
|cand39=Munonye Ikechukwu Obinna|party39=Sustainable National Party (SNP)|votes39=173
|cand40=Tony Kelvin Obinna|party40=New Progressive Movement (NPM)|votes40=166
|cand41=Clifford Okechukwu E.|party41=Democratic Alternative (DA)|votes41=163
|cand42=Daniel Ahizechukwu Okorojiaku|party42=New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)|votes42=157
|cand43=Ike Ibe C.|party43=Independent Democrats (ID)|votes43=144
|cand44=Chigozie Jerry Iheanacho|party44=Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN)|votes44=132
|cand45=Ikenna Chukwunenye Emmanuel|party45=Change Advocacy Party (CAP)|votes45=125
|cand46=Osuagwu Chigozie Chigozie|party46=Yes Electorates Solidarity (YES)|votes46=116
|cand47=Ben Diribe Eberechukwu|party47=Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN)|votes47=112
|cand48=Nwokorie Donald C.|party48=National Action Council (NAC)|votes48=108
|cand49=Edwin Chigozie Uche|party49=Alliance for Democracy (AD)|votes49=97
|cand50=Ekeh Nosike Collins|party50=Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP)|votes50=86
|cand51=Ubah Nathaniel C.|party51=People's Redemption Party (PRP)|votes51=84
|cand52=Jeffrey Chinedu Uzor|party52=Association for Better Nigeria (ABN)|votes52=83
|cand53=Duru Benneth Onyekachi|party53=Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP)|votes53=68
|cand54=Ononogbo Emeka Emmanuel|party54=Green Party of Nigeria (GPN)|votes54=66
|cand55=Adrian Chijioke Achodo|party55=Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN)|votes55=59
|cand56=Mbanefo Chris Ezuma|party56=Alliance for a United Nigeria (AUN)|votes56=55
|cand57=Okere Kingdom Nnamdi|party57=Reformed Advanced Party (RAP)|votes57=53
|cand58=Nnamdi Iwuanyanwu Isaac|party58=Nigeria People's Congress (NPC)|votes58=53
|cand59=Ikoku Michael Obinna|party59=Young Democratic Party (YDP)|votes59=50
|cand60=Prince Obumneme K. Nwaigbo|party60=We The People Nigeria (WTPN)|votes60=47
|cand61=Okechukwu Kingsley Okoroafor|party61=Kowa Party (KP)|votes61=45
|cand62=Igbokwe Marvin Chigozie|party62=Nigeria Community Movement Party (NCMP)|votes62=43
|cand63=Ochiama Otibe Excel|party63=Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH)|votes63=40
|cand64=Njoku Anne Philips|party64=Re-build Nigeria Party (RBNP)|votes64=39
|cand65=Ekegu Chigozie John|party65=Save Nigeria Congress (SNC)|votes65=37
|cand66=Abednego Elias Chukwuemeka|party66=National Interest Party (NIP)|votes66=37
|cand67=Onwubuariri Ijeoma|party67=National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP)|votes67=34
|cand68=Canice Chukwuemeka Asonye|party68=Justice Must Prevail Party (JMPP)|votes68=30
|cand69=Abanno Barnabas Chibuzor|party69=Coalition for Change (C4C)|votes69=26
|cand70=Ikechukwu Nwaopara|party70=Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD)|votes70=24
|invalid=25130
|electorate=2221008
}}
=By local government area=
Here are the results of the election from the local government areas of the state for the two major parties. The total valid votes of 714,355 represents the 70 political parties that participated in the election. Green represents LGAs won by Ihedioha. Blue represents LGAs won by Nwosu. White represents LGAs won by others.{{Cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/breaking-imo-pdp-looks-towards-victory-with-11-lgas/ |title=Breaking: Imo PDP looks towards victory with 11 LGAs |date=11 March 2019 |last=Alozie |first=Chinonso |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=14 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2019/03/11/updates-governorship-election-results-for-imo/ |title=Updates: Governorship Election Results For Imo |publisher=Channels TV |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.legit.ng/1226661-election-2019-we-coasting-a-landslide-victory-imo-pdp.html |title=Election 2019: We're coasting to a landslide victory - Imo PDP |last=Ukwu |first=Jerrywright |publisher=Legit.ng |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.okay.ng/imo-2019-official-governorship-election-results-live-updates/ |title=Imo 2019: Official governorship election results – LIVE UPDATES |website=Okay.ng |access-date=15 April 2021}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.blueprint.ng/breaking-at-last-inec-begins-final-collation-of-imo-guber-results-pdp-in-early-lead/ |title=Breaking: At last, INEC begins final collation of Imo Guber results, PDP in early lead |date=10 March 2019 |publisher=Blueprint |access-date=15 April 2021}}
| class="wikitable sortable" style=" font-size: 95%"
! rowspan="2"| County (LGA) ! colspan="2" |Emeka Ihedioha PDP ! colspan="2" |Uche Nwosu AA !Total Votes |
| #
!% !# !% !# |
|---|
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Aboh Mbaise
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 64,219 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 4,296 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Ahiazu Mbaise
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 32,987 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 3,395 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Ehime
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 5,238 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 5,477 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Ezinihitte Mbaise
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 30,035 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 2,646 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Ideato North
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 3,064 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 5,599 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Ideato South
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 3,600 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 40,138 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Ihitte/Uboma
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 4,235 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 5,444 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Ikeduru
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 14,848 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 4,006 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Isiala Mbano
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 3,589 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 3,383 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Isu
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 3,235 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 7,695 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Mbaitoli
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 13,358 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 5,869 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Ngor Okpala
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 11,502 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 4,797 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Njaba
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 4,043 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 8,297 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Nkwerre
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 1,889 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 8,205 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Nwangele
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 3,482 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 9,924 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Obowo
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 6,198 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 4,929 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Iguta
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 5,663 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 3,431 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Ohaji/Egbema
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 6,072 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 16,339 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Okigwe
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 5,443 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 8,469 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Onuimo
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 2,063 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 4,173 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Orlu
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 5,053 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 9,659 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | Orsu
| bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 2,596 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | 6,203 | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | | bgcolor=#87BEEB align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Oru East
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 4,806 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 4,531 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | Oru West
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 4,393 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | 5,016 | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | | bgcolor=#FFFFFF align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Owerri Municipal
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 10,118 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 2,617 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Owerri North
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 12,797 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 2,988 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | Owerri West
| bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 12,878 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | 2,538 | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | | bgcolor=#90EE90 align="center" | |
| Totals
! ! ! ! !- |
20 December 2019: Supreme Court disqualified Uche Nwosu for Double Nomination due to being the nominated candidate of both APC and AA parties; Hope Uzodinma is not the legal APC candidate
The Supreme Court in Nwosu v APC dismissed the appeal with Justice Amina Augie upholding the findings of both the trial court and the Court of Appeal with respect to the fact that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu was in fact the nominated Imo State Governorship Candidate of the Action Alliance [AA] and the All Progressives Congress [APC] contrary to Section 37 of the Electoral Act 2010 [as amended] and sustained his [Ugwumba Uche Nwosu] disqualification from contesting the Imo State Governorship election.
This informed the decision of the PDP and APP to file different applications at the Supreme Court seeking for the court to give effect to its judgment delivered on 20th December 2019 and that the PDP candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha be declared the winner of the election as a result of the APC being precluded from sponsoring two candidates (Ugwumba Uche Nwosu and Hope Uzodinma) in the Imo State governorship election.
After an unusual 3 year delay and barring any further unforeseen circumstances, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear the motion of the Peoples Democratic Party and Action Peoples Party respectively, seeking to enforce its judgment that APC did not field any candidate following the disqualification of its duly nominated candidate, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu on 31st October 2023.
14 January 2020: Results voided, Hope Uzodinma confirmed rightful governor
While the Independent National Electoral Commission had announced the governorship election results in March 2019, the results were challenged in the Nigerian courts.{{cite news |title=BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Ihedioha As Imo Governor, Declares Hope Uzodinma Winner |agency=Sahara Reporters |date=2020-01-14 |url=http://saharareporters.com/2020/01/14/breaking-supreme-court-sacks-ihedioha-imo-governor-declares-hope-uzodinma-winner |access-date=2023-10-08}}{{cite news |title=Why Supreme Court sacked Ihedioha, declared APC’s Uzodinma winner in Imo |first=Halimah |last=Yahaya |date=2020-01-14 |work=Premium Times |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/372652-why-supreme-court-sacked-ihedioha-declared-apcs-uzodinma-winner-in-imo.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |language=en-GB}} The court held that hundreds of thousands of votes, from 388 polling units, had been wrongly excluded from the vote count in March, and that (initially) fourth place finisher Hope Uzodinma had received the majority of lawful votes cast across the state.{{cite news |title=Supreme Court judgement that gave APC’s Uzodinma victory in Imo |first=Halimah |last=Yahaya |date=2020-01-20 |work=Premium Times |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/374161-download-supreme-court-judgement-that-gave-apcs-uzodinma-victory-in-imo.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |language=en-GB}}
The next day, on 15 January 2020, Uzodinma and Placid Njoku were sworn in as the Governor of Imo State and Deputy Governor of Imo State, respectively.
References
{{reflist}}
{{2019 Nigeria elections}}
{{Nigerian state and local elections}}
{{Authority control}}
Imo State gubernatorial election