The Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Chief Olugu Kalu Ugba has denied declaring interest to contest for the governorship primary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State.
Earlier today, posters bearing the image of the Ohafia born politician had surfaced on social media platforms, sparking reactions from Abians interested in who replaces late Prof. Uchenna Ikonne.
In a telephone interview with THE WHISPERER, Mr. Ugba, popularly known as Ishi-bu-mba said: “Please kindly disregard the posters. It is not from me. I have not declared for the governorship race; I don’t want to be distracted,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had announced that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State chapter should conduct a fresh primary within 14 days following the death of its governorship candidate, Uchenna Ikonne.
Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, told Daily Sun that since the election is still one month aware, the State’s ruling party still have the window to conduct fresh primary within 14 days of Ikonne’s death.
He further explained that; “if the candidate dies when polls have commenced, section 34(3)(b) of the Act provides that the running mate shall continue with the election and nominate a new running mate.”
The commission further warned that should the PDP fail to conduct fresh primaries within 14 days of the death of the candidate, it is assumed that they will not have a candidate in the election.
