Abians are mourning the loss of Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections. Condolences have poured in from various political parties, colleagues, and well-wishers, including the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Greg Ibe, and the state leadership of the PDP, among others. In a press release he personally signed, Governor Ikpeazu directed that all flags at the Abia State PDP offices be lowered to half-mast. He also announced the suspension of all campaign activities for the party at all levels until Monday, January 30, 2023. The governor urged PDP leaders and members to remain calm as they navigate this difficult period together.
Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman and acting Publicity Secretary of the Abia PDP, expressed the deep pain felt by the party due to Ikonne’s death, especially as he had been recuperating from illness and was eager to participate in the ongoing ward-to-ward tour across the 184 wards in the 17 local government areas of Abia State. In light of his passing, the state party hierarchy has suspended all campaign activities for three days as a sign of respect for their fallen compatriot. The party has called on its members to remain calm and await further directives from the leadership.
Gregory Ibe, the APGA governorship candidate, expressed his shock at the news of Ikonne’s death. He extended his condolences to the Abia State Government, particularly to Governor Ikpeazu and the PDP family, highlighting Ikonne’s significant contributions to the field of optometry and the development of Abia State, especially in education. As a mark of honor for his fellow governorship candidate and academic colleague, Ibe announced the immediate suspension of all his political activities, including the publication of campaign materials and the transmission of radio and TV jingles, until further notice.
Don Norman, the Chairman of the Abia ADC, lamented the loss, stating, “A good man is gone.” He reflected on the mystery of how good people do not last, asserting that while Prof. Uche Ikonne has departed from this earth, he remains alive in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. Similarly, Emeka Nwankpa, the Accord Party governorship candidate, described Ikonne as a worthy brother and expressed his shock at the news of his death. He noted, “Nothing could be more saddening than the news of the death of Prof. Uche Ikonne. Though we were political opponents, we had mutual respect for each other. I needed him alive to join me in building a new Abia State when I become governor.”
Until his death, Ikonne was a practicing optometrist and had served Abia State in various capacities, including as the rector of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, and as the vice chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu. Goodluck Ibem, the President General of the Coalition of South-East Youths Leaders, also expressed his shock at the passing of the esteemed scholar.
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