Abia PDP zones vacant guber seat to late Ikonne’s LGA

In order to placate the local government area, the Abia state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned the forthcoming February 4th governorship primary rerun to Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia Central, where the late guber candidate, Prof Uche Ikonne, hailed from.

The decision to zone the vacant guber ticket to Prof Ikonne’s LGA was said to have been taken Monday in the Abia PDP Caucus meeting held in Umuahia.

According to a statement issued by the Abia PDP Vice Chairman and Acting state publicity secretary of the party in Umuahia said the decision to zone the contest only to Isiala Ngwa North LGA followed the death of Prof Uche Ikonne on 25th January and the subsequent directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission deadline to conduct fresh primary guber election within 14 days to replace him.

The statement further noted that those present at the caucus meeting included the governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, the immediate past former Governor, Senator T A Orji, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, the three senatorial candidate of PDP, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Col Austin Akobundu (retired) and other members of State Working Committee, respectively. 

According to the state Acting Publicity Secretary of the party, also present at the meeting were statutory members of Abia PDP caucus except one who sent in an apology for his absence.

The party, however, urged members to support the decision of party caucus and work towards a successful primary election coming up on February 4,2023.

It also called on members to remain vigilant and expect more information and briefings from the publicity Department of the Abia PDP in due course.

“This decision has, therefore, put to rest speculation in some quarters as to the area the replacement of the late guber candidate of the party will come from as well as reassuring the people that all hopes are not lost yet for one of their sons becoming the next Governor of Abia State if PDP wins the main election proper,” it said.