229 PDP aspirants set for Dec 8 primaries in Abia

Eight governorship aspirants have been cleared to contest the December 8 primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while one withdrew and another did not present herself.
Those cleared include Okezie Ikpeazu, Emeka Wogu, Iheanacho Orji, Okey Emuchay, Friday Nwosu, Acho Nwakanma, Uche Ogah and Marc Wabara.


Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, the state chairman of the PDP, Emma Nwaka, said another aspirant, Gregory Ibe, opted out of the contest in obedience to the decision of the party to zone the governorship to Abia South, and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu did not present herself to be screened.
He denied that either the screening or the appeal panel disqualified the son of incumbent governor, Chinedum Orji, attributing the rumour to the handiwork of those whose overall ambition was to cause disaffection in the state.
According to the chairman the clearance certificate of Chinedum Orji was never withdrawn and that there were no petitions against him, hence he would be among the five aspirants that would slug it out on Saturday.
He maintained that the governorship screening took place in Enugu and that he had received briefs from the National Vice Chairman, Austin Akobundu, regarding those that purchased, returned forms and showed up for screening.
Regarding the senatorial contest, he said five aspirants are running in Abia North, including Senator Uche Chukwumerije, David Oga Onuoha and Mao Ohuabunwa, Abia Central has the incumbent governor Theodore Orji as the sole aspirant, while Abia South parades five aspirants, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Chris Nkwonta.
In all there are 160 aspirants to the 24 seats in the Abia State House of Assembly, 50 for the House of Representatives, 11 for the three senatorial zones and eight governorship aspirants.
Source:dailyindependent