A former Secretary to the Anambra state Government in Mr. Peter Obi’s administration, Chief Henry Oseloka Obaze, has emerged as the fl ag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 18. Announcing the result of the primary election yesterday in Awka, the Returning Offi cer and Governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Dave Umahi, said Obaze scored 672 votes to defeat his runners-up, Dr Alexander Obiogbolu, who scored 192 votes, while Chief Ifeanyi Ubah scored only 94 votes. Umahi said the other four other aspirants, Ufodike Akaolisa, Prince John Emeka, Linda Ikpeazu and Chief Stella Oduah, were said to have withdrawn from the race, noting that Senator Oduah, however, did not send in any letter to signify her withdrawal.
A mild drama, however, ensued when one of the aspirants, Ubah, before the announcement of the results, kicked against the procedure of the election. He was pacifi ed by the governor who said he would allow one minute for aspirants to state their positions after the announcement of the results. It was the turn of the aspirants to speak after declaration of results when Ubah who was visibly agitated said he had already gone to court to challenge the primary. He accused the party of switching list of delegates for the primary and noting that the party had gone contrary to the impunity it has preached against. Ubah said while APC aspirants got to know their delegates four weeks ahead, the PDP delegates were shielded from aspirants. While the angry aspirant was still speaking, Umahi said he had exceeded the time given to him and declared the event close.
