The Senator representing Okigwe Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has dissociated himself from statements in circulation that he has declared himself the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Okigwe senate seat in the upcoming general election.
In a statement on Wednesday, Araraume said that as a loyal party man, he was waiting for the decision of the APC on who flies the party flag for Okigwe and would never declare himself the candidate.
He denied ever issuing such statements and also denied having any sour relationship with the Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
According to the statement: “The attention of Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume, PhD, has been drawn to false, unauthorised, and mischievous publications currently circulating on various media platforms purported to have been issued by him, most particularly, the one bearing the title ‘A Message of Gratitude, Unity, and a Clarion Call to Rebuild Okigwe Zone’.
“Senator Araraume unequivocally disassociates himself from the said publication or publications. At no time did he authorise, approve, or cause the release of any statement.
“It is a complete fabrication, deliberately concocted to mislead the public, distort his position, and create unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.
“Senator Araraume remains a steadfast, disciplined, and committed member of the All Progressives Congress. His loyalty to the party, its leadership, and its ideals is unwavering.
“He has consistently conducted himself in accordance with the Constitution of the APC and remains fully committed to its internal democratic processes and decisions,” the statement said.
It went further state that: “As a firm believer in constitutional democracy and party supremacy, Senator Araraume is patiently awaiting the official position and final decision of the party regarding the Imo North Senatorial Primary.
“Contrary to the false claims contained in the fabricated publications, he has not declared himself the party’s candidate and will only communicate through recognised and authorised channels” adding that Senator Araraume enjoys a cordial, respectful, and constructive relationship with Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State.
The statement insisted that any suggestion of disagreement, hostility, or political friction between them exists only in the imagination of the authors of the false publications and should be disregarded.
“Senator Araraume firmly believes that the success of the APC is a collective responsibility. He remains committed to fostering unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among all party stakeholders, recognising that the strength of the party lies in its cohesion and collective purpose.
“Senator Araraume completely and unequivocally dissociates himself from any publications and statements contained therein. The documents are the handiwork of mischief makers and political opportunists whose objective is to sow discord, misrepresent his views, and create divisions where none exist.
“Their desperate attempt to undermine the unity and stability of the party will not succeed” and therefore calls on members of the APC, the people of Imo North, the good people of Imo State, the media, and the general public to disregard such publications in their entirety, as they are false, misleading, and of no consequence whatsoever.”
The ranking Senator said he remains focused, law abiding, and resolutely committed to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowing to continue to pursue the unity, progress, and development of Imo State and Nigeria through lawful and responsible engagement.
