By Tony Icheku

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, 2023, three governorship hopefuls will slug it out in the Abia PDP gubernatorial re-run primary 


They include  Eric Opah, businessman; Okey Ahiwe, Chief of Staff to Gov Okezie Ikpeazu and Bob Ogu, who recently resigned as Commissioner for Works to join the race - they all from Isiala Ngwa North LGA, LG of origin of  late Prof Uche Ikonne who died Jan 25, as PDP governorship flagbearer.


Following Ikonne's demise, the party received INEC's nod to elect his replacement within 14 days according to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, and it immediately swung into action.



 Dailyledger.com.ng reports that the primary scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday February 4, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, may simply be to fulfill all righteousness as Gov Ikpeazu may have resolved to  ensure that Chief Okey Ahiwe emerges the guber flagbearer.


Ahiwe emerged  Chief of Staff (CoS) to the governor last year followership the resignation of the erstwhile CoS, ACB Agbazuere who resigned and is the PDP candidate for  Isiala-Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency 


Ikpeazu and Orji may also use the primary as an opportunity to close ranks and work for the success of the party in the governorship election.


Sen. Orji, representing Abia Central Senatorial district seconded the motion moved by Hon Amah Abraham, the Abia PDP vice chairman,   for the guber ticket to be micro-zoned to Isiala Ngwa North.


The motion overruled agitations from two former aspirants who sought to be given concessions for the primary


Sources close to the party explained that the zoning formula was retained in order to maintain stability in the party as every other position had already been zoned and alloted.


The emergence of late Ikonne led to  coldness between Ikpeazu and Orji, who wanted the governorship zoned to Abia North Senatorial district, however it appears his death may have united them to the extent of allowing Isiala-Ngwa North produce the governor as the Ikpeazu camp earlier insisted


Of the trio, Opah is the only one not in the corridors of power, but he is said to enjoy the support of powerful interests in the party.


He is an entrepreneur and is  said to have a proven track record, capacity and integrity needed for the job.


He is also the Chairman Nigeria-America Chamber of Commerce, Abia State chapter and reportedly  consulted widely before throwing his hat into the ring


 Ogu, a lawyer and the immediate past Commissioner for Works, resigned about two days ago to pick form for the governorship ticket. He is regarded as seen as a shadow for Ahiwe should the permutations turn awry