Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Two factions of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State have held parallel primaries producing two different candidates for Ebonyi South senate bye-election.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Linus Okorie, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly emerged as candidate from the first primary.
A 60 year old businessman, Mr Nwabueze Nwachukwu, emerged from the second primary which reportedly held at an unknown location in the state.
Okorie had in the 2023 general election contested for the same senatorial seat but lost to the former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, who later resigned to become the Minister of Works.
He emerged as the winner in the primary election held at Amuro/Mgbom Community Primary School field, Afikpo North Local Government Area, the headquarters of the Senatorial District.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi, who declared Okorie as the winner, said that three aspirants participated in the primary election.
He noted that Okorie won with 40 votes, defeating Nwabueze Ogo Eze, 10 votes, and Fred Okereke, seven votes.
Meanwhile Mr Nwabueze Nwachukwu who is the owner of Abuson Hotels, Abakaliki, polled 50 votes out of 57 votes cast to emerge as a consensus candidate for the election while Linus Okorie secured 4 votes.
The Returning Officer, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwibo, appreciated the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the primary Election.
In his acceptance speech, Nwabueze expressed gratitude to God for his victory, stressing that he was really prepared to represent Ebonyi South senatorial zone at the National Assembly if elected on the third of next month.
The election comes up on February 3, 2024.
