Gov. Ikpeazu’s Senatorial Candidacy Unopposed

Ahead of the 2023 election, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has won the senatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to represent the Abia South senatorial district.

His candidacy was unopposed, and he will be taking over from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Meanwhile, the former Minister of State for Defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd.), won the ticket for Abia Central. Akobundu received 186 votes, while Ugwuzo Chukwuemeka received only one vote.

Earlier, the Pioneer Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku, pulled out of the race. Wachuku had withdrawn, citing non-transparency and impunity as reasons for his action.

He claimed that those seeking to manipulate the process were shielding the list of delegates.

In Abia North, violence marred the senatorial contest between Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who represented the zone in the eighth senate, and members representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency at the House of Representatives.

The exercise, which began around 4:00 p.m., became heated after delegates from Umunneochi Local Government Area finished voting.

The turn of delegates from Isuikwuato LGA came when the atmosphere became so volatile that everyone fled for safety.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker Ifeanyi Uchendu defeated his closest rival, Chief Kelvin Jombo, to win the House of Representatives ticket for the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency.

Uchendu secured 36 votes above Jombo, who scored 28 votes.

Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji also secured the ticket for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency.

Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnenna Ukaeje was elected to represent the Bende federal constituency.