Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Chief Okey Ahiwe, has emerged as the new governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State.
Ahiwe who was the immediate -past Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, emerged Saturday at a fresh governorship primary held at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The fresh primary followed the sudden death of the PDP governorship flag bearer, Professor Uche Ikonne, on January 25.
Ahiwe who hails from the same Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area with the late Ikonne, polled 469 votes to emerge the new flag bearer.
A total of eight aspirants contested in the primary conducted by Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State with other members of the PDP National leadership.
Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, and Lucky Igbokwe ( Don Lulu), both had 12 votes; while Hon. Sampson Orji scored 11 votes.
Former Commissioner for Works, Bob Ogu; Ezinwanyi Jonah, and Eric Opah, had earlier stepped down for Ahiwe who is their Ngwa kinsman.
In his acceptance speech, Ahiwe promised not to fail Abians if voted into power.
He thanked the PDP leadership for its wisdom to zone the ticket to the same Local Government Area where the late Ikonne came from.
The PDP new governorship flag bearer, called on other aspirants to throw their weight behind him in the overall interest of the party, saying there is no victor and no vanquished.
