Abia PDP mourns guber candidate Uche Ikonne’s death
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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
Iheanacho, Ndidi secure Premier League promotion with Leicester City
Leicester City have now secured one of the two automatic promotion tickets to the Premier League.
Economy
BDC operators warn against naira speculation, hoarding
He added that ABCON will upgrade technology in its quest to help in the fight against the sabotage of CBN’s reforms.
Economy
Tinubu taps Jim Ovia to lead Nigerian education loan fund
The prominent Nigerian banker was appointed on Friday.
Heading 4
Liverpool agree compensation with Feyenoord to appoint Arne Slot as new manager
Liverpool had initially shown interest in former player and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Agriculture
Taraba govt. set to distribute first set of tractors to farmers
“We have so far received 20 Cabrio and 250 mini high powered tractors that would be distributed to our farmers on May 28.”
NationWide
Jonathan mourns Ayogu Eze
The former president commiserated with the Eze family, his political and professional colleagues in the media.