The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has denied reports of an alleged controversy over the choice of former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gerald Irona, as deputy governorship candidate of the party in the state.

Imo State Vice Chairman of the Party in charge of Orlu senatorial zone, Chief Aloysius Igwe, made the clarification while responding to a newspaper report alleging that some stakeholders were not consulted before Hon. Irona was selected.

According to him, Irona is a true son of Orlu zone, a good party man, a transparent leader and one with capacity to deliver the zone to PDP in 2019.

“Irona is a true son of Orlu zone. He is qualified to be Deputy Governor of Imo State by all standards. He is a true party man. His appointment as deputy governorship candidate of the PDP is not out of place. As Orlu zonal Chairman of the PDP, I am comfortable with him. What is important at this point is how we can work together to forge ahead,” Igwe said.

Continuing, he said: “Whoever feels there is a communication gap should look at the broader picture. Let us all sheath our sword and see how we forge ahead. The most important thing is that person that can help us win the election. Now that Irona has emerged, we must all rally round him and deliver the party in Imo State. Our focus at the moment is to win the election and that should be the interest of every true stakeholder of the party.”

Adding his voice, Chairman of the PDP in Oguta Local Government Area of the state, Chief Fred Opiah, frowned at the publication, describing it as sponsored to distract the party.

“As far as I am concerned, the choice of Irona is the best thing that has happened to the PDP in Imo ahead of 2019 elections. The persons that sponsored the publication must repent and face the truth. I don’t really know what they want. Hon. Irona has paid his dues. He is reliable and has capacity to deliver. With him, PDP is sure of victory in Orlu zone. Again, angels and men will bear witness that it is the turn of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/ Oru West federal constituency to produce the Deputy Governorship candidate of the party in the interest of fair play and justice,” Opiah said.

An Owerri-based local tabloid in its Friday edition entitled “Imo PDP Deputy: Orlu stakeholders raise alarm over choice…” had alleged that some stakeholders of the party in Orlu zone were not consulted before Irona was chosen as running mate to PDP candidate, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

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