Ikonne hailed from Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State.
It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ordered the PDP to conduct fresh primaries within 14 days to replace Ikonne, who died on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, after a brief illness.
However, the Abia PDP, in a statement issued by its Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, said the party decided to zone the vacant gubernatorial seat to Ikonne’s local government after a meeting held by its members on Sunday.
“The decision was taken after a meeting of the Abia PDP State Caucus whose membership is drawn from across the state including Abia North, Ikwuano/Umuahia, Ukwa East, and Ukwa West Local Government areas.
“Among those present at the meeting were the State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State Senator Theodore A. Orji, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji and the other two senatorial candidates of the PDP, namely Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Col. Austin Akobundu respectively.
“Also present at the meeting were the Statutory members of the Abia PDP State Caucus except one who sent in an apology for his absence.
“The party urges members to support the decision of the party caucus and work towards a successful primary election coming up on February 4, 2023.
“The party also calls on members to remain vigilant and expect more information and briefings from the Publicity Department of the Abia PDP in due course,” Amah stated.
