PDP re-zones Abia guber seat to Isiala Ngwa North

• Primary to hold February 4
• PDP NWC visits Ikpeazu over Ikonne’s death

Following the death of the Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, the party, yesterday, zoned the governorship seat to, Isiala Ngwa North Council in Abia Central Senatorial zone.

The party’s state Vice Chairman/ Acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, in a statement, stated that the development followed the directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days to replace the late Ikonne.

Amah disclosed that the zoning decision was taken after a meeting of the Abia PDP state caucus, whose membership is drawn from across the state, including Abia North, Ikwuano/Umuahia, Ukwa East and Ukwa West councils.

According to him, the party urged members to support the decision, and work towards a successful primary election coming up on February 4, and to remain vigilant as they expect more information and briefings from the Publicity Department of the party in due course.

MEANWHILE, the state governor and leader of PDP in the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday, at Government House Umuahia, told a delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) that though the death Ikonne is a huge setback for members, the state party is resilient, and would bounce back to win the 2023 elections.

Ikpeazu assured the NWC delegation, which was on a condolence visit, that PDP in the state and across the country remains strong, viable and united even as members mourn the death of Ikonne. The governor thanked the national leadership of the party for its support and solidarity with its Abia State chapter at this trying moment, assuring that Abia PDP shall rise from ashes of the current despair to record massive victory at the polls.

The governor added that PDP remains the party of choice in the state. He informed the delegation, led by PDP Deputy National Chairman, North, Ambassador Umar Damagum, that the state caucus of the party met, yesterday, and agreed to retain the zoning formula, which will lead to the emergence of a new candidate from Isiala Ngwa North Council, the home council of the late Ikonne.