Uzodimma urges Imo aspirants to respect zoning arrangement ahead of primaries, warns against “do or die” politics

Politics

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged political aspirants in the state to respect the existing zoning arrangement in the interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion ahead of the forthcoming primary elections.

The Governor made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting convened with all aspirants, party leaders, and critical stakeholders, where strategies were harmonised to ensure the smooth conduct of the primaries.

Uzodimma warned against a “do or die” approach to the contest, stressing that the primaries must remain peaceful, transparent and guided by the collective interest of the party.

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He noted that while ambition is legitimate in politics, only one candidate will eventually emerge for each position, adding that it was important for all aspirants to rally behind whoever secures victory.

The Governor, in a statement issued on Friday, reiterated that zoning remains a key democratic principle designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness and balanced representation across constituencies.

He maintained that adherence to the arrangement would strengthen internal democracy and ensure that all groups within the party feel a sense of belonging.

“Consequently, I advised aspirants whose ambitions run contrary to the established zoning framework to respect the arrangement in the collective interest of peace, equity, and party cohesion,” the statement read.