The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State, yesterday concluded its State Congress, to elect leaders of the party, with the former Vice chairman cum acting Publicity Secretary, Elder Abraham Amah, emerging as the new party chairman, having pulled a total of 1,264 votes, defeating his closest rival, Barr Olugu Kalu (Ishi bu Mba),who pulled 395.
In a keenly contested election, Amah Abraham was declared the winner in a race of six contestants, involving James Okpara, Amb. Godwin Okoro,Barr Kingsley Imaga, Barr Olugu Kalu Ogba and Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma.
The Congress which was held at the Sacramento event centre, Umuahia,had delegates across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State, casting their votes for their choice candidate.
Speaking shortly after exercising his franchise, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Sen Austin Akobundu, commended the delegates for comporting themselves in a peaceful manner, saying that the Congress was part of the ideals of the party, lauding the process which he said was transparent.
Sen Austin Akobundu
The Senator said as an election,only one winner would emerge in a particular position, urging the winners to carry everyone along.”The winner wins for everybody winner”,he said.
Meanwhile, the Returning officer and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke to the Media, shortly after declaring the winners of the State Congress, acknowledged and commended the peaceful disposition of the party delegates which he said, made for a seamless exercise. He congratulated the winners and disclosed the party’s readiness to take back power from the people they lended it to come 2027.
Also speaking, the newly elected chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, expressed gratitude to the party stakeholders and delegates for finding him worthy to give their votes and for entrusting the party in his hands.
Elder Abraham Amah
Amah said his emergence would pursue a robust engagement, the reconciliation of aggrieved members, re- echoing the ideas and vision of the founding fathers and as well, bringing back those that left the party,so as to make it stronger. “This is a new dawn for Abia PDP”.
Earlier, the former Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, charged the newly executive to pursue one mandate which is to bring back those that left the party.
According to Kalu, the future of the party starts from the emergence of the new leaders, adding that though people left because they were aggrieved, the new leaders of the party should pursue with all vigour, the new mandate of filling the PDP family.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu
He further congratulated the winners, urging them not to relent in bringing the party back to power.
Recall that Abraham Amah has over 28 years of political experience, holding various key positions in the past, including State Chairman of a national party, Political Adviser to two former governors of Abia State and deputy Chairman of National Association of PDP Zonal Chairmen.
His election was greeted with jubilation, with many acknowledging his loyalty to the party. As the new chairman, Amah is expected to bring stability and leadership to the party in Abia State. Prior to his appointment, Amah served as the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Abia PDP/Zonal Chairman of Abia North and Acting State Publicity Secretary of the Abia PDP.
