Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has been declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election ahead of the off-season elections billed to hold in November this year.

This is even as results for the same APC governorship primary elections were still being collated in Bayelsa and Kogi States as of the time of going to press last night.

In Imo, the governor who is the sole contestant scored 63,618 to emerge winner of the primary held at Ndubusi Kanu Square, Owerri.

In his acceptance speech, the governor thanked the people for the victory.

He said, “The victory of today’s event is a victory that is dedicated to God Almighty and the victory I will cherish for a long time to come. For me I see it as a mark of confidence from the members of our great party and the entire Imo people at large.

“God does not make mistakes and there is this old saying that one with God is always the majority, Imo State is predominantly Christian’s and even the Muslims in the state are all faithful that are committed to prayers.

“For a long time we have been praying for God to come and change our situation in Imo State and provide us a leadership that people will appreciate and  thank God for answered prayers. We have no other state than Imo State; we are our brothers’ keepers.

We have our tradition and culture; we cherish democracy because democracy is government of the people. We borrowed from our past mistakes and past experiences. Before I decided to contest election for governorship I consulted God. I prayed and I got explanation and when I started till today God has never disappointed me.

“We had our challenges – man made problems and obstacles, but God in his wisdom handled it in his way. You would agree with me that where we met Imo State when we came and where it is today there is a huge difference. And if that was what touched your hearts to challenge me to continue what you have just told me is to do more work.

“I want to assure you that this confidence you have reposed on me I will do my best not to betray it. The party is like a vehicle. When you enter a vehicle, all you need is for the vehicle to deliver you to your destination. I pray that God Almighty will give me courage, wisdom, knowledge and resources to take Imo State to its destination