The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University,Uturu, Prof Uche Eleazar Ikonne, has officially declared interest to vie for the Abia governorship seat come 2023.
Prof Ikonne
Prof Ikonne who was the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University(ABSU), appealed to the executive members of the PDP, to allow him fly the flag of the party come 2023.
Giving his speech at the PDP state secretariat,Umuahia, Prof Ikonne said he would bring to bare his wealth of experience, commitment, maturity and excellence,if elected as the next Abia Governor.
According to Ikonne, the PDP needs to give their ticket to a candidate that can win other candidates from other parties, saying he has what its takes to bring victory for the party in 2023.
“I have something that stands me out from the crowd.Am the best among other aspirants.
“I am experienced,matured,well tutored and am committed to the development of Abia.
“I will build on the intellectual capacity of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, putting Abia on the fast lane of development”,he said.
Ikonne further urged the executive of the party to give their ticket to someone who is capable of transforming and building on the existing developmental strides of the incumbent governor, adding that Abia needs an experienced, committed and mature governor to help harness the human and material resources of the state.
“Abia should cue into the trend,where only quality representation is demanded.
“I will offer quality representation.Abians will be happy they voted for me. I am a proponent of ‘When You See, You Will Believe’.
Recounting his numerous achievements both as the Rector of Abia State Polytechnic and the Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Prof Ikonne stated that anybody that can lead students well without any dent,can lead Abia.
He further stated that he has been playing politics outside, without having the privilege of enjoying the dividend of a politician, stating that even though he has not been attending meetings and political functions,he is not a stranger in politics.
The Governorship Aspirant, however, pleaded with the party to give him the governorship ticket, as he will make Abians and the PDP proud.
In their separate speeches, the Director General Uche Abia Campaign Organization, Rt Hon Chinedu Elechi,the former PDP State Secretary, Ibeh Nwadioha and Barr Randy Ukanwoke, said Prof Ikonne is the only man that can lead the party to victory, describing him as a good product that can consolidate on the legacies of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, enjoining Abians to cast away their fears and doubt, stating that Prof Ikonne is an amazing product that can serve Abians well.
Responding, the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP). Rt Hon Alwell Asiforo Okere, praised the quality of aspirants who have so far declared interest to run for one political position or the other, stressing that it would leave the party with the opportunity to make choices.He described Prof Uche Ikonne as a good product that would be sellable, going by his antecedents in the tertiary institutions.
The PDP chairman also commended the humility of Prof Ikonne, saying that the Party would give him the ticket on one condition, that the party remains with the people, adding that the party belongs to the people, therefore, it is the people that will decide, offering a level playing ground to all aspirants.
Rt Hon Asiforo, further enjoined all aspirants to be peaceful and friendly in their campaigns and avoid insulting or attacking the character of any aspirants during or after their campaigns.
