Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu, Professor Uche Ikonne, has been declared winner of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in Abia State.
He polled a total of 468 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe who secured 45 votes, while Mrs. Ezenwanyi Jonah got five votes.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, and former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, described the exercise as free and fair.
Meanwhile, seven aspirants including the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Senator Emma Nwaka had earlier withdrawn from the race, citing use of fake news and non compliance with due process.
Despite their withdrawal, Oko-chukwu secured six votes, Nana Nwafor scored four votes, while Senator Nwaka also got four votes.
Senator Abaribe got five votes, Chief Ncheta Omerekpe secured three votes, while Prof. Gregory Ibe who had since joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, got two votes.
The total number of votes cast was 544 votes while eight votes were voided.
In his acceptance speech, Ikonne promised to institute a participatory government if elected governor.
The former VC urged all aggrieved members of the party to cooperate with him to win the election.
Meanwhile, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, has secured the senatorial ticket for Abia North.
The Governor had no opponent.
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who represented Abia North in the eight senate has won a return ticket to the red chamber after securing 135 votes to beat his closest rival and member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole, who got 29 votes.
In Abia Central, former Minister of State for Defense, Col. Austin Akobundu, won the Senate ticket after scoring 186 votes to defeat Ugwuzo Chukwuemeka who got only one vote.
