The Abia chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into mourning following the death of its governorship candidate, Uche Ikonne. The party said his demise had shattered the party faithful in the state and beyond.

The vice-chairman of the party (Abia North) and acting publicity secretary, Abraham Amah, said this on Wednesday when he formally addressed journalists in Umuahia on the death of the party’s flag bearer.

Mr Amah said, “Abia PDP has received the sudden news of the death of our governorship candidate, Ikonne. For us, it was very, very unfortunate at this time, mindful that he was already recuperating and giving an indication that he would soon join the campaign.”

He added, “The bitter truth is that he is dead. His death has shattered every PDP member in Abia and Nigeria in general. It is a sad day for everybody.”

Mr Amah revealed that a condolence register would be opened at party Secretariat, while the party’s flag would fly at half mast for one week.

“In politics, it’s easier to manage a crisis occasioned by natural causes than the crisis caused by political differences,” he noted.

Mr Ikonne, a professor of optometry, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, in the early hours of Wednesday. He was the immediate past vice-chancellor of the state university, Uturu.

He was last seen at a public function on November 24, 2022, during the launch of the party’s state-wide campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

He reportedly took ill at the peak of the ceremony while making a speech and was rushed to hospital from the stadium. 

(NAN)