The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was on Wednesday thrown into mourning following the death of its Abia State governorship candidate, Prof. Uchenna Eleazar Ikonne at the National Hospital, Abuja.

A statement by the PDP’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reads:

“Alas our hearts bleed; Prof. Ikonne’s death is indeed a big blow not only to the PDP family but also to Abia State and the nation in general.”

It noted that Prof. Ikonne was an outstanding and committed member of the Party who contributed to the continued success of the PDP in Abia State and the country.

“He was a committed patriot, very brilliant academician, seasoned optometrist and excellent administrator, who gave himself to the service of his people and humanity, and for which the people of Abia State were resolved to elect him as Governor of Abia State.”

The statement made it clear that “The National Leadership of the PDP deeply commiserates with the family of Prof. Ikonne, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia State Chapter of the PDP as well as the entire people of Abia State and prays to God to console us all and grant eternal rest to the faithful departed”

The NWC called of the PDP called on all leaders, members and supporters of the Party as well as the people of Abia State to remain prayerful for Prof. Ikonne’s family, the PDP and Abia State for this irreparable loss.

The NWC directed that the PDP flags at the Party’s National Secretariat, Abuja be flown at half-mast in mourning of the death of this outstanding Nigerian.