•Party hails successful candidates

By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the official publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the names and credentials of its candidates for the forthcoming general elections, saying the development has confirmed its readiness for the polls and exposed what it described as the activities of impostors claiming to represent the party.

The party, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, said INEC's publication followed the successful nomination and uploading of the candidates' credentials on the commission's portal.

According to the PDP, the publication of the names of three senatorial candidates, 10 House of Representatives candidates and 27 State House of Assembly candidates puts "a final nail in the coffin" of individuals it accused of posing as representatives of the party and misleading members of the public.

The party said the development had also clarified its leadership structure, identifying Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as its national leader and Rt. Hon. Austine Nwachukwu as the leader of the Imo State chapter.

"We congratulate our three Senatorial Candidates, ten House of Representatives Candidates and twenty seven House of Assembly Candidates following the official publication of their names and credentials as certified standard-bearers of the party," the statement said.

The PDP further cautioned members of the public against dealing with individuals purporting to represent the party, saying it had previously warned against such activities.

The party alleged that some "criminal elements" were attempting to exploit the PDP's popularity and support base for what it described as "nefarious goals."

"We sympathize with unsuspecting members of the public who may have fallen prey for their games and were duped by them," the party said, adding that it had repeatedly warned the public not to have dealings with such persons in the name of the PDP.

The party said the publication of its candidates had strengthened its confidence ahead of the elections, describing the candidates as individuals with "unimpeachable pedigree and competence."

"Today, we are prepared for the upcoming general elections and are satisfied with the quality of our candidates in the State," the statement said.

The PDP also urged Imo voters to support its candidates across the various constituencies, promising that their election would usher in what it described as good governance and people-centred leadership.

"Imo people should expect that supporting the party and electing its candidates across the board will engender good governance, responsive and people-centered leadership," the party stated.

Candidates

The three senatorial candidates listed by the party are Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri for Imo West, High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu for Imo North and H.E. Prince Eze Madumere for Imo East.

The 10 House of Representatives candidates are Rt. Hon. Uche Ogbuagu for Mbaitoli/Ikeduru; Chief Chris Onye for Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano; Barr. Ikenna Emeruem for Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo; High Chief Joseph Ikunna for Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West; and Hon. Iheme Ndidi Ulumma for Owerri Municipal/Owerri West/Owerri North.

Others are Hon. Nwadike Peace Adamma; Princess Oleka-Chinedu for Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Mbaise; Hon. Arthur N.C. Ugochukwu for Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala; Chief Owuzuruike Banabas Chijioke for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East; and Barr. Amby Emeh for Ideato North/Ideato South.

The party also listed 27 candidates for the State House of Assembly across the various constituencies.

Imo PDP noted, however, that the INEC window for candidate replacement or substitution remains open, saying it would communicate any applicable changes "promptly and duly."