By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) critical stakeholders from Abia State have stormed the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja as the prospective new governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ahiwe, goes for screening today, Friday, February 3, 2023.

Ahiwe, the anointed candidate of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu following the death of his original candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, has been endorsed by the state PDP “critical stakeholders”.

The substitute candidate was accompanied to Abuja by 27 stakeholders which include RT Honourable Christopher Enweremadu, RT Honourable Chinedum Elechi, RT Honourable Uzo Azubuike, Ambassador Ikechukwu Endurance Philips, Chief Abraham Amah, Arc Rev Benson Ezem, Chief Sam Nwogu,

Others are Chief Uzoma Ihuka, Nze Godwin Onyendilefu, Dr Ike Onyenweaku, RT Honourable Emeka Stanley, Barr Henry Chilaka, Chief Kingsley Imaga, Mrs Ngozi Oji, Chief Mba Ukarinwo, Barr Ekele Nwaohanmuo, and Chief Simon Eme,

Also at Wadata Plaza to witness the event are; Chief Chijioke Akanwa, Dr (Mrs) Kate Maduako, Elder Sam Njoku,

Miller Ogueri, Hon Sunday Hanson Amaechi, Chief Ebere Nwachukwu,

Prof Chinedu Ugbaja, Comrade Kingsley Okadigbo, Mr Okezie Chibuzor, and Dr Chidi Olujie.

According to a statement circulated on Thursday by the Abia PDP “critical stakeholders”, “Ahiwe emerged as the substitute after an exhaustive deliberation and consultation which resolved that the Substitute for late Professor Ikonne should come from the same Local Government Area where the late Professor hailed from, Isialangwa-North.

“Sequel to the concession by the state caucus, Stakeholders of PDP in Isialangwa-North met in a widely publicised and well attended meeting to discuss the uncommon privilege and the outcome of the meeting was the unanimous choice of Chief Okey Ahiwe, who was then the Chief of Staff to the Abia State government.”

The choice of Ahiwe has been reportedly well received within the leadership and followership of the PDP in the state.