Chief Sir Okey Ahiwe the Chief of Staff to Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has emerged the PDP governorship candidate in the state.
The primary election held on Saturday followed the directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the party to hold fresh primary election after the death of its flagbearer, Prof. Uche Ikonne on Jan. 25.
The primary election which held at Umuahia Township stadium, Umuahia,Abia State produced Ahiwe who polled the highest number of votes with 469.
The Chairman of the Election Committee delegated by the PDP National Working Committee and the Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki declared Chief Okey Ahiwe as the winner of the primary election.
He therefore emerged the standard bearer of Abia PDP Governorship ticket. The election comes up March 11 this year.
The state deputy governor Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and a chieftain of the party, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe polled 12 each while another contestant, Hon. Sampson Orji polled 11
About 12 votes were declared invalid.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman Abia State 2023 Special Gubernatorial Primary Electoral Committee and Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki explained that the Electoral Act prescribes Special Congress within 14 days where there is an unfortunate case such as the demise of a candidate.
He added that the exercise is to help strengthen our democracy by electing a replacement and assured that the exercise will be carried out transparently in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the party.
In his acceptance speech, the winner, Chief Okey Ahiwe described his win as victory for Abia and charged all contestants to join hands with him to move the state to the next level.
He thanked the State PDP Caucus for it’s decision to zone the Gubernatorial Ticket to Isiala North LGA and assured that the decision has strengthened the party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sent a high powered delegation led by its National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye to monitor the election.
ABN TV had earlier predicted Ahiwe as the favoured candidate for the primary election.
