Speaking immediately after the announcement of the result, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh expressed thanks to the people of Imo State for voting his party into power.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Owelle Rochas Okorocha on his victory in the gubernatorial election concluded on Friday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, in Abuja, Saturday, he noted that the people of Imo State have spoken through the ballot box, and it was time to forge ahead in the task of further developing the state.

Jonathan assured the Governor-elect of the Federal Government’s cooperation in the task ahead, and has urged him to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration.

He also congratulated INEC for successfully concluding the Imo State elections, noting that Nigerians appreciated the efforts of the body to give the country elections to be proud of.

In the same vein, the incumbent governor, Chief Ohakim has congratulated the Governor-elect, Owelle Okoroacha and wishes him the best of luck.

This was contained in a release issued and signed by Governor Ohakim and made available toSunday Tribune in Owerri, the Imo State Capital on Saturday.

Also, residents of Abuja, especially indigenes of Imo State, on Saturday went wild with joy as they heard of Owelle Okorocha’s victory at the polls, even as congratulatory messages have continued to pour in for the Governor-elect.

The Citizens Popular Party (CPP), in its congratulatory message, stated that the result of the election reflected the will of the people of Imo State.

The party, in a statement signed by its national chairman, Maxi Okwu noted that despite hiccups in some areas that led to the 6th May supplementary election, the election was free, fair, credible and transparent.

He observed that, “the Imo State electorate voted for change; we urge the Governor-elect to formulate and implement people-oriented programmes that will raise the living standard of the people.”

“ It is obvious that the system is not perfect, we are not yet there but Nigeria is on the march again.”

Sunday Tribune gathered that residents stayed glued to their television sets, watching the collation of the results and awaiting the announcement of the final result.

As soon as the result was announced, wild jubilation broke out from homes, even as many rushed to the streets to celebrate the victory.

In Kubwa, some Igbo residents trooped to the streets, embracing each other and trooping to bars to toast to the victory.

Reports from Gwagwalada, where there is heavy concentration of Igbos in Abuja; Lugbe and Dutse, as well as other neighbouring satellite areas such as Gwagwa, Nyanya and Mararaba, indicated that the mood of the people was high.

Chief Orji Oti, a resident of Kubwa told Sunday Tribune that the victory of Chief Okorocha was long expected and stated that Imo State has finally been liberated.

He maintained that for the first time, the people of Imo State and other states in the region were united to ensure that justice prevailed.

Ohakim congratulates Rochas Okorocha.