Okey Ahiwe, former Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has been elected the governoship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia.

The state chapter of the party organised a special convention to replace the vacant postition created by the death of Uchenna Ikonne, who was until his death the standard bearer of the party.

Alwell Asiforo Okere, the state party chairman, stated in his opening remarks that the party’s former governorship candidate’s passing necessitated the special convention.

“We lost our governorship candidate Ikonne ten days ago, It is for that reason that we are here today because the electoral act particularly section 33 has compelled us to elect another candidate within 14 days.

“We are very confident that the team led by Obaseki, will do a good job because the party knows the kind of man he is before sending him.

“We know all the candidates. We urge the winner to be magnanimous and embrace others. We must do everything to rescue Nigeria from corruption and poverty by starting from Abia State,” he said.  

Mr Ahiwe polled a total of 469 votes to defeat his rivals, deputy governor of the state, Ude Oko-Chukwu and Lucky Igbokwe who scored 12 votes each.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ahiwe thanked delegates for choosing him to represent the party.

He promised to use his expertise from the public and private sectors to develop the state.