The All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primaries were conducted peacefully across all federal constituencies in Ebonyi State, according to Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Governor Nwifuru disclosed this to journalists on Saturday after monitoring the exercise across the state.
He commended party stakeholders and leaders for ensuring that the primaries in Ebonyi’s six federal constituencies remained orderly, calm and free of rancour among contestants.
“We are consolidating on our earlier consensus agreement,” the governor said.
Responding to concerns over party members who chose to contest outside the consensus arrangement, Nwifuru said their actions aligned with democratic principles.
“Those who are contesting are acting in line with democratic ideals. Some of our members resigned from their positions. Resignation does not amount to incompetence.
“They want to pursue their ambitions out of sheer personal conviction. They are in order. Democracy thrives when there is a virile opposition. So we accepted their resignation and wished them well.
“Our joy is that today’s exercise went as planned and as expected. It was very peaceful and calm,” he said.
The governor also urged party members to participate actively in the remaining primaries scheduled for next week.
Meanwhile, Chinedu Ogah, representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency; Iduma Igariwey, representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency; and Nkemkanma Kama, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, emerged winners of their respective primaries.