The All Progressive Congress in Abia State has concluded its Governorship Primaries with High Chief Ikechi Emenike clinching the party ticket with 672 votes, defeating his closest rival,Hon Emeka Atuma who polled 150 votes.
The Primaries which took place at the Chidiebere Motor Park,Umuahia, was done amidst tight security, with Aspirants protesting against the indirect primaries adopted by the Electoral Committee.
Recall that the National body had earlier publicized for the Governorship Primaries to be done using direct primaries,but to the surprise of all the aspirants who were waiting patiently at their various Local Government Areas for materials, to discover that the electoral process had been hijacked.
The situation became uncontrollable when the aspirants stormed the Chidiebere Motor park, with their supporters,insisting the Electoral Committee adopt what the National body had earlier resolved.
After a prolonged wrangling without any head way,the Aspirants including Dr Uche Ogah, Prince Paul Ikonne,Hon Emeka Atuma,Hon Obinna Oriaku, angrily left the venue of the Primary Election. While Chief Dan Ekeh,Dr Alex Otti withdrew from the race.
The Electoral Committee, thereafter, continued with the contest, after which, a total number of 907 votes were casted with 15 invalid votes and 892 valid votes.
Declaring the result from the Election,the Electoral Committee chairman for Abia, Chief Tonie Obiefuna, disclosed that Hon Uche Ogah polled 6 votes, Dan Ekeh 16 votes,Dr Alex Otti 14 votes and Hon Emeka Atuma 150 votes.
Others are Hon Obinna Oriaku who got 12 votes,Prince Paul Ikonne 22 votes,while Ikechi Emenike polled 672 votes.
In his speech shortly after the declaration, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, stated his readiness to rescue Abia and as well as bringing it on the pedestal of development.
According to him,his mission is to Rescue and Develop the state, adding that the crisis that rocked the Governorship primaries was only necessitated by some internal forces,who did not want the election to hold, but commended the Security agencies,the Electoral committee and INEC for ensuring the congress was held peacefully.
He reiterated that his mission is to “Rescue and Develop Abia”, calling for the collaboration of those whose objective is to see Abia developed to join force with him,so as to achieve his aim.
The APC flagbearer, however, gave a sternly warning to those whose stock in trade is to torpedo the effort of the party,to desist forthwith,as he is ready to climb any mountain to rescue the state.
In an interview with the press,the State chairman of the APC, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu,cleared the air on the electoral method adopted.
According to him,the National body of the Party instructed for an indirect primaries, adding that all the aspirants were duly informed about the process.
