Emeka Okafor, Umuahia
Immediate Past Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chief Okey Ahiwe, has emerged as the Gubernatorial Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),for the March 11 Governorship election.
In a fresh poll held at the Umuahia Township Stadium to replace late Professor Eleazar Uche Ikonne as the PDP Governorship flagbearer, Chief Ahiwe polled 469 votes out of the 516 votes cast to beat 3 other contestants.
The closest contenders, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe and Rt Hon UdeOko Chukwu who scored 12 votes each, while Sampson Orji got 11 votes.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman Abia State 2023 Special Gubernatorial Primary Electoral Committee and Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, explained that section 84, sub section 12 of the Electoral Act,prescribes special Congress where there is an unfortunate case such as the demise of a candidate within 14 days.
He added that the exercise is to help strengthen democracy by electing a replacement and assured that the exercise would be carried out transparently in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the party.
In his message, the Abia PDP chairman, Rt Hon Alwell AsiforoOkere, disclosed the reason for conducting a fresh primary election, while expressing confidence in the quality of the Aspirants.
He advised those who would lose out in the contest to join hands and support the winner to deliver a better Abia, stressing that the nation’s economy is already in a collapse and as a matter of urgency, the PDP must do everything possible to rescue Nigeria, adding that the rescue must start from Abia State.
In their speeches, the Aspirants Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, Sampson Orji, Sen Emma Nwaka and Rt Hon Ude OkoChukwu, called on the delegates to vote their conscience, as their choice would determine the future of the State.
He advised those who would lose out in the contest,to join hands and support the winner to deliver a better Abia, stressing that the nation’s economy is already in a collapse and as a matter of urgency, the PDP must do everything possible to rescue Nigeria, adding that the rescue must start from Abia State.
In their speeches, the Aspirants Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, Sampson Orji, Sen Emma Nwaka and Rt Hon Ude OkoChukwu, called on the delegates to vote their conscience, as their choice would determine the future of the State.
Other Aspirants, Ezinwanyi Jonah, Eric Opah and the immediate past Abia commissioner for works, Bob Ogu, stepped down from the race.
However, after a keenly Contest, a total of 516 votes were cast, 12 invalid votes were recorded and the Deputy Governor of the State, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu,as well as, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe,polled a total of 12 votes each, while Sampson Orji polled 11 votes and Sen Emma Nwaka Zero vote, leaving Chief Okey Ahaiwe clinching the Party’s ticket with a total of 469 votes
In his acceptance speech, the winner, Chief Okey Ahiwedescribed his victory as victory for Abia and charged all contestants to join hands with him to move the state to the next level.
He appreciated the PDP Caucus for it’s decision to zone the guber ticket to Isiala Ngwa North and assured that the decision would strengthen the party.
