Former vice chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, Uche Ikonne has emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor in the 2023 general election.
The Nigeria News Agency reports that Mr Ikonne, a professor, was elected in the party’s primary elections held at Umuahia Township Stadium on Wednesday.
He polled 468 votes to defeat five other contestants in the exercise that took place under heavy security.
Mr Lucky Igbokwe came a distant second with 45 votes, while the only female contestant,Ngozi Merenge, scored five votes.
Other contestants, including Deputy Governor Ude Oko-Chukwu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Emma Nwaka, had earlier announced their withdrawal from the race.
They were, however, credited with six, five and four votes, respectively.
Also, Greg Ibe, who formally defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance on April 17, was also credited with two votes.
Other aspirants that withdrew from the race were Ncheta Omerekpe, Enyinnaya Nwafor and Chima Anyaso.
However, they were credited with three, four and five votes, respectively.
The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, thanked the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.
In an acceptance speech, Mr Ikonne expressed gratitude to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and PDP for believing in him.
He said he would not betray such confidence.
He further assured them that he would give the party victory in the general elections.
He pledged to address the state’s vast infrastructure needs, create jobs for youth and ensure women are productively engaged in their elections.
Daily News Reporters