The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has zoned the vacant governorship seat to Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the home LGA of the late Prof. Uche Ikonne.
This follows the death of the Abia PDP governorship candidate Ikonne on January 25, 2022 and the subsequent directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days to replace him.
The decision was taken by the Abia PDP State Caucus in a meeting on Sunday, according to a statement by Abia PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah.
The caucus members were drawn from across the State including Abia North, Ikwuano/Umuahia, Ukwa East and Ukwa West Local Government areas.
Among those present at the meeting were the State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; the deputy governor of Abia State, Dr. Ude Chukwu; former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji; the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji; and the other two senatorial candidates of the PDP, namely Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Austin Akobundu.
Also present at the meeting were the statutory members of the Abia PDP State Caucus except one who sent in an apology for his absence.
The PDP urged members to support the decision of the 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.
