Indications emerged on early part of today that Gov Okezie Ikpeazu and his predecessor, Chief T. A. Orji might have settled for the immediate past vice Chancellor of Abia state University, Prof Eleazar Ikonne as the next governor of the state.
Prof Ikonne hails from Agburuike, Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia central senatorial district.
Our correspondent gathered that the agreement to hand over the ticket to Ikonne was reached on Saturday night in Umuahia after the governor held an all night meeting with his predecessor.
It was not known what arguments Ikpeazu advanced to TA Orji for him to change his mind as the Senator representing Abia central in Abuja had earlier canvassed the ceding of the Governorship to Abia North in the spirit of the state charter of Equity.
Insider sources told our correspondent that Ikpeazu promised automatic PDP ticket to Ochendo’s son, Engr Chinedum Orji,for the ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency seat.
But the source expressed surprise that Ochendo could recapitulate just two weeks after he declared support for Abia North.
“I don’t know what they bargained for Ochendo to disappoint millions of his supporters after his historic declaration in support of Abia North.
But what ever it is, Ikpeazu was satisfied leading to his meeting with Prof Ikonne at umuobiakwa where he told former VC that he is now the anointed one.
Ikpeazu specifically told Prof Ikonne that a stakeholders meeting will be convened this Friday where he will be formally announced as the preferred successor.
It was learnt that Ochendo will on that Friday also declare support for Prof Ikonne.
The PDP in the state had against the run of play announced the zoning of the 2023 Governorship to both Abia central and Abia North senatorial zones.
Both the former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara as well as other leaders have condemned the move , insisting that it is the turn of Abia North to produce the next governor in line with the Abia State charter of Equity.
I think that Professor Ikonne that I know, will be a good fit for Abia State. I detest the current governor as well as Senator TA Orji the worst thing that has ever happened to Abia, but I will definitely vouch for two men that can fix Abia now. One is senior Ikonne and the other is Junior Alex Otti. The bird is in the hands of Abians. Both men are eminently qualified to lead the State.
Prof Ikonne is an experienced administrator of human resource, a teacher par excellence and morally sound educator. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a good choice for Abians. He has been a public servant in all his career life and understands public service well enough. Congratulations.