The Founder and Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Greg Ibe, has emerged the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2023 general elections in Abia.

Ibe polled 283 votes to defeat other contestants, including his closest rival, Mr Etigwe Uwa (SAN), who scored 148 votes.

The two other contestants, Gen. Ijioma Ijioma (rtd.) and Chikwe Udensi scored 36 votes and 13 votes, respectively.

In an acceptance speech, Ibe extended a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants, saying “there is no Victor, no vanquished.”

He urged them to join him in the onerous task of salvaging Abia from imminent collapse.

“As we begin the final journey of redeeming Abia, my doors remain open to receive those unique ideas that can help us to realise the new Abia of our dream.

“Umunnem (my brothers), today is a good day to be an Abia citizen.

“I want to profoundly appreciate Abia people in general for their patience and prayers so far.

“I assure you that God has heard our collective prayers and has commenced the salvation of our state,” Ibe said.

He appealed to everyone to join the struggle to re-write the story of the state, notwithstanding their party affiliations and personal interest.

“As the lamentation of Abia people for 24 years comes to an end shortly, I implore you to weep no more for I see in the horizon, a brand new Abia,” Ibe said.

Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Odi, a businessman,  has won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primary election conducted at the party’s state secretariat on Sunday in Abakaliki.

Olalekan Rotimi, the Electoral Panel Chairman who declared the results said that Odi polled highest number of valid votes to defeat other five contestants.

According to him, Odi got a total of 349 votes while his closest rival Mr Christian Usolor got nine votes and Chief Chukwuma Nwazunku and Mr Augustine Nwazunku got one vote each.

Rotimi added that Emmanuel Ezeh got one vote while Mr Andrew Sunday got six votes respectively.