Ahead of February 4th,2023, date of primary election in which a candidate is expected to emerge from Isiala Ngwa North,the local government of late professor Uche lkonne, sources close to NNS points to Ikpeazu’s Chief of staff, Chief Okey Ahiwe to likely emerge as Ikonne’s replacement for Abia state Peoples Democratic party (PDP) Governorship candidate.
For the February 4th replacement primary, three prominent members of PDP from Isiala Ngwa North local government and equally members of Abia state Executive Council have obtained their nomination and expression of interest forms and are ready to test their popularity in the primary election.
As at Wednesday, the Chief of staff to the Governor of Abia state, chief Okey Ahiwe, Prince Christopher Enweremadu, a one time speaker of Abia state House of Assembly and the current commissioner for local government and chieftaincy Affairs and Barr.Bob Ogu, the current commissioner for Works, have all shown interest to replace Ikonne.
A source who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity on Wednesday in Umuahia, said that all the three candidates are close allies of Governor Ikpeazu, but his Chief of staff is believed to be his most closest ally.
Although the Governor has not shown any open interest towards any of the three candidates, but sources close to seat of power favor Ahiwe, for the following reasons.
His appointment as the chief of staff to the Governor and his closeness to Ikpeazu gives him an edge over other contestants.
Ahiwe is equally the founding president of Nqwa Patriots forum, making him to enjoy the support of the Ukwa La Nqwa political block and the leadership of PDP from the zone.
As a chief of staff to the governor his disposition towards handling government business has earned him more friends within Abia political class.
Ahiwe’s loyalty to the governor is unquestionably, given him all the advantage to emerge as replacement to Ikonne on Saturday, February 4th,2023, primary as the Abia state PDP Governorship candidate for 2023 general Elections.