Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, had withdrawn from the Imo State Peoples Democratic Party Gubernatorial race.

 The former governor made his decision public in a letter addressed to the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Iyiorchia Ayu, on Tuesday.

He said the decision was made for the harmony of the party.

He said, “As I turned 58 years last Friday, March 24, I had cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

“Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 Governorship primaries.

“In the interest of harmony and unity of the Party, I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.

“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt.

“And I am sure many of those who have, on their own, already started mobilizing for me in Imo State will be disappointed.

“I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorates who have over the years aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served my various constituencies both as a legislator and Governor. I am also proud of the positive impact I made, particularly in the seven months I served as the Governor of Imo State.”