Abia 2023: PDP Chairman, Predecessor Argue Over Zoning As Dep-Gov Enters Race

The deputy governor of Abia State, Oko Chukwu Friday declared his interest to run for governor in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just as the party chairman, Alwell Okere and a predecessor, Ndidi Okereke argued over the zoning arrangement for the governorship.

GreenWhiteGreen GWG reports that the party leadership had resolved to zone the office to Abia North and Central at the end of the second term of the outgoing governor who is from Abia South.

Speaking after Chukwu intimated the party leadership of his intention to succeed Ikpeazu at the party secretariat, the Chairman of PDP, Chief Alwell Okere said that Chukwu’s declaration of interest had further increased the number of aspirants for the governorship position in the party to seven.

“This means that the party now has quality options of career people, businessmen and professionals to choose from.

 The party chairman gave further clarification on the controversial zoning of the governorship to Abia North and Central Senatorial Districts.

He said the decision was collectively taken at a meeting of all the State Working Committee (SWC) members and leaders of the party.

According to him, the decision was taken in good faith and no SWC member will say he was not at the meeting when the decision was taken.

He, therefore, advised the aspirants to continue with their consultations and not dissipate energy and time trying to rubbish the decision or “reverse what is irreversible”.

However, a former PDP Chairman in Abia State, Chief Ndidi Okereke, faulted the party’s zoning formula and attempts by the chairman to rationalise the decision.

In a vote of thanks, he said that it was the turn of Abia North to produce the next governor after Abia South and Central had taken their turns, respectively.

Okereke, who comes from Abia North, said that for the state to continue to enjoy political peace and stability there should be equity, fairness and justice.

 Speaking earlier, Chukwu said that he had worked closely with Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, and had travelled to virtually all the communities in the state and understood their different areas of needs.

He further said that being part of the process that midwifed the 30-year Development Plan for the state and believing in the document, he stood a better chance than others to ensure its implementation, if elected as governor.

He also said that having served the state in different capacities, including being a Speaker of the House of Assembly, and two-term deputy governor, he had acquired the requisite experience to serve and take the state to higher level.

Chukwu said that he had also acquitted himself as a true party man, having handled different election assignments for PDP in Abia and beyond, including Imo, Edo, Bayelsa and Lagos states.

He said that Abia people had invested heavily in him for his 12 years in the legislature and seven years as deputy governor.

“It will therefore be a great injustice, if I fail to return to Abia people what they have invested in me all these 19 solid years,” he said.

GreenWhiteGreen GWG reports that the assertions of the former PDP chairman, Okereke follows tension in Abia State over alleged plots to throw up another Ngwa man from Abia Central to succeed the first Ngwa governor of the state, Ikpeazu.

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