I am one of the pillars of Nigeria, Senator Araraume will never become Imo governor - Okorocha

macfranc007 March 01, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Omotayo Yusuf

- Governor Rochas Okorocha described himself as the pillar of the APC in southeast

- He said those claiming he was against the APC NEC were rumour mongers

- The Imo governor insisted Ifeanyi Araraume will not succeed him

Governor Rochas Okorocha has vowed that Senator Ifeanyi Araraume will not succeed him as governor of Imo state.

The governor also denied rumour that he was against the extension of the tenure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national executive.

Vanguard reports that the governor said: “But I want to say this for the sake of emphasis. Senator Ifeanyi Araraume cannot win the ticket of APC for the 2019 guber in the State and can never govern the State. So people should not allow themselves to be deceived.

“In 2007, he won the ticket of PDP and failed the main election. In 2011, he also had the ticket of ACN and came fourth in the election. In 2015, he also failed the PDP Primary. So, what magic would he perform in 2019? You may ask, where were these elements when the PDP foot soldiers were invading Imo and South-East in general with Soldiers and other Security agents.”

He denied rumour that he was against the party’s decision on its National executive committee.

The governor said: “They have sponsored lies against the governor over the outcome of the APC NEC meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 in which the tenure of the National Chairman Chief John Oyegun and others were extended.

“I am the strongest pillar of APC in the South-East and one of the pillars in the Country.

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“And I remain supportive in all ramifications to the John Oyegun-led National Exco of the Party. And there is no reason anybody should begin to create the impression that Governor Okorocha was against the extension of Chief Oyegun’s tenure."

Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha announced that he will be contesting the Imo west senatorial seat in 2019.

The governor made the announcement on Sunday, February 25, when inaugurating members of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) at government house Owerri, the Nation reports.

He said his senatorial ambition will be of immense benefit to the chances of President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC ) in 2019 general election in the state.

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