Abia state Governorship Candidate for the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Prof Uchenna Ikonne is Dead.
Prof. Ikonne was a
former Vice Chancellor of the Abia state University Uturu.
A message by the family reads:
I regret to announce the
death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National
Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness.
He was recovering after
taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading
to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from.
Further details and
arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings
are made within the family.
Thank you.
*Dr Uche- Ikonne
Chikezie*
*For the family.*
Abia Govt Press Release Announcing Ikonne's Death
It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.
I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.
Signed:
Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD
Executive Governor,
His Rumoured Death
The PDP youths movement
according to a release on Tuesday noted that Ikonne displayed his frail health
status at the Abia State PDP Campaign Kick-off at Umuahia on November 24 from
where he was taken for treatment and had since not returned.
In the release signed by Salahudeen Lukman, President, Gbe Benjamin Orduen, National Secretary and Elekwachi Joshua, Coordinator, South East Zone, the PDP youths said Ikonne who had been under “intensive care abroad and his inability to recuperate in the past 60 days” confirmed talks that he was not a suitable candidate.
Who Replaces Ikonne?
The current death of
Ikonne has rekindled the search for an acceptable candidate that can carry the
party to victory. A few names with their strong and weak points were thrown up
for consideration with their strong sponsors behind them.
And who are the possible
contenders and pretenders that can be shortlisted for the ultimate choice?
There is no doubt the governor must have been worried at the state of affairs
working against the calculation of making a seamless handover in the
expectation of victory in the March 11 Governorship elections. The elders of
the party were equally concerned and threw up possible replacements if Ikonne
agreed to step down.
Prince Christopher Ekweremadu who was thrown around as the governor’s possible choice, unfortunately, did not contest the primary while the Deputy Governor Oko-Chukwu who is being canvassed as the candidate of Abia North, had also not contested the primary having written a letter earlier to the party stating he was not interested in contesting the primary, although he was said to have scored four votes
0 Comments