ABIA ELECTION: Ikonne’s Absence Has Been PDP’s Approach – LP Chairman, Ceekay Igara

 

The Labour Party Chairman in Abia State, Mr Ceekay Igara has said that the continued absence of Professor Uche Ikonne, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the State from political activities is not a new thing but an attitude which the PDP has been known for.

 

Igara who was speaking to ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER on Wednesday, January, 11, cited the election of the former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji, who was in detention and won the governorship election in Abia state in 2007 without campaigning.

Igara waved off the absence of the PDP’s candidate, stating that Ikonne’s absence is not an issue but an advantage to the Labour party and it’s governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti.

 

The chairman also noted that though the absence of candidates have been an approach adopted by the PDP, the forthcoming 2023 election will be different as candidates must convince the people they want to represent before they can get voted for.

 

“Its not an issue, its to our own advantage”.

 

“Mind you, his Excellency, Senator T.A. Orji was in detention, so his (Ikonne) absence does not really matter. TA Orji was in detention, he did not campaign for one day, but he won the election.”

 

“It is PDP’s attitude; this has been their approach but my joy is that this time around, you must convince the people of what you are coming to do for them. Gone are the days when election results are written; we are going to have surprises in this election, so those who think they are standing should look well” he said.

Igara described Alex Otti as one who believes in meritocracy and will introduce a private sector approach in governance having performed well in the private sector.

 

“and that will change a lot of dynamics in this system. Alex Otti is the most qualified, most experienced and tenacious in his request to lead Abia” he added.