Why I Chose Uche Ikonne As My Preferred Successor - Gov Ikpeazu Finally Reveals

Professor Ikonne, a former Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University (ABSU), is the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State.

While receiving a delegation of leaders of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state led by the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Nwabeke at the Governor's Lodge in Aba on Thursday, Ikpeazu said his choice of Professor Uche Ikonne was as a "result of his proven track record of experience in administration and public service."

The governor maintained that "justice, equity and political stability all support the emergence of the next Governor of Abia State from the Isiala Ngwa axis of Abia Central Senatorial DistrictÔÇØ while tasking the people of Isiala Ngwa North LGA to seize this great historical opportunity and support Ikonne whom he expressed confidence in his ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Abia State.

Further in his speech, Governor Ikpeazu stated that the emergence of a Governor from the other half of Abia Central (Isiala Ngwa) was in accordance with the spirit of the Abia Charter of Equity.

The Governor recalled that the Abia Charter of Equity was entered into in 1981 between the old Umuahia and Aba Senatorial Zones with the recognition of Isuikwuato as a District.

According to the Governor, while the old Umuahia Senatorial Zone represents the entire old Bende of today, covering the entire Abia North Senatorial District and the Umuahia half of Abia Central, the old Aba Senatorial Zone represents the entire Old Aba Division covering today's Abia South Senatorial District and the Ngwa half of Abia Central.

The Governor noted that while the old Umuahia Senatorial Zone has produced two consecutive Governors spanning 16 straight years, the old Aba Senatorial Zone is just about completing their initial 8 years, and as such it is only just for the old Aba Zone to take another shot at the Governorship seat to bring it at par with their brothers from old Umuahia zone, adding that the choice of a running mate from the old Isuikwuato District which is today's Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs puts the Abia Charter of Equity in full swing.

According to Ikpeazu, the election of his successor from Isiala Ngwa in 2023, will pave the way for the completion of the full swing of the Charter of Equity allowing the rotation to commence again from Abia North, thereby giving every known section of the State a proper sense of belonging.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also explained that while Osisioma Ngwa LGA was part of Abia Central, it was impracticable and unjust for his successor to come from Osisioma Ngwa because Osisioma Ngwa and Obingwa are in the same Federal Constituency. According to him, getting his successor from Osisioma Ngwa is akin to getting his successor from Obingwa, his own Local Government.

The Governor said that no other equation will justly provide an equitable explanation to the question of management of power rotation in the State and appealed to the people of Abia State to elect Professor Ikonne as the next Governor of Abia State.

He thanked the people of Isiala Ngwa North LGA for their consistent support to his administration assuring them that he has enjoyed the unparalleled support of their sons and daughters who work with him in his Government.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Joseph Nwabeke told the Governor that the people of Isiala Ngwa North are grateful to him for his warm and positive disposition towards the people of Isiala Ngwa North and assured him that since the PDP has chosen their candidate from there, the people will do the needful. He noted that the Governor has left enduring legacies in the administration of the State.

Also speaking for each of the 4 clans in Isiala Ngwa North LGA - Ntigha, Ngwaukwu, Nsulu and Nwaoha, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Okey Ahiwe, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt Hon Prince Christopher Enweremadu, Commissioner for Works, Barrister Bob Chiedozie Ogu and Chief Gaius Anyanwu told the Governor that the people of Isiala Ngwa North fully understand the challenge facing them in the 2023 elections and assured that they will rise to the challenge and ensure that the candidature of Professor Ikonne will record an unassailable victory in the area.

They assured further that no sensible indigene of Isiala Ngwa North LGA will trade the Governorship position for any other political position in 2023. They expressed confidence in the ability of Professor Ikonne to deliver the goods and consolidate on the foundations laid by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. They thanked the Governor for finding several of their sons worthy of high and strategic offices in his administration.

They appealed to other parts of the State to support Professor Ikonne's ambition as it is just and equitable.

Also speaking, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the PDP, Professor Uche Ikonne thanked the Governor for laying strong foundations in the administration of the State and assured that when elected, he will build on those foundations and work towards uniting the entire state and improving the lot of people of Abia State.