Nigeria, March 12 -- A former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has been declared winner of the governorship election in Imo State.

He polled 273,404 ahead of his closest rival and candidate of the Action Alliance, Uche Nwosu, who polled a total of 190,364.

Mr Nwosu is the son in-law of Governor Rochas Okorocha who strongly backed his candidacy.

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Ararume came third ahead of Hope Uzondima of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former polled 114, 676 while the latter polled 96,458.

The candidate of Accord and Mr. Okorocha's predecessor, Ikedi Ohakim, came distant fifth on the log with 6,846 votes.

Announcing the results of the electio...