Abia PDP Guber Candidate Dies, As Ikpeazu, PDP, Sen. Nwaogu, Others Mourn Ikonne 

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Prof. Uche Ikonne has been confirmed dead by multiple sources.

Ikonne who has been sick since November and away from the state where he has been receiving medical attention.

It was rumoured that he died on Saturday.

In a statement signed by his son, Dr Uche- Ikonne Chikezie disclosed that the father died at the National Hospital, Abuja in the early hours of today after a brief illness wrote “I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness.

“He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from.

“Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family.”

The news of Ikonne’s death, infonet9ja.com reports is causing ripples in the state as many party faithful were thrown into panic of who becomes the next governor of the state in accordance with the new 2022 Electoral Act.

The governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has joined many other Abians in mourning the death of Prof. Uche Ikonne, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.

Gov. Ikpeazu in a statement he personally signed Wednesday evening directs all flags in Abia State PDP offices to be lowered and flown at half mast in honour of the late Professor with all political and administrative activities in PDP offices suspended until Monday January 30.

“It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together. ”

This is even as the PDP chairman, Rt. Asiforo Okere in a statement through the vice chairman and Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Amah Abraham described Ikonne’s death as painful.

“His death is very painful, coming at a time when he was recuperating from illness and had shown great signs and willingness to join us in the second leg of our ward-to-ward tour that is ongoing across the 184 Wards in the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.”

Meanwhile, former National Assembly Member and Abia State Women Coordinator, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu has expressed shock over the sudden demise of Prof Uche Eleazar Ikonne the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial flagbearer in Abia State whose death occured today at the National Hospital Abuja.

Senator Nwaogu in a press statement personally endorsed by her said that she was bewildered over the regrettable demise of the renowned optometrist and administrator.

The APC Chieftain while regretting the untimely death of Prof Uche Ikonne said that death is a necessary end which is inevitable maintaining that the death of Prof Ikonne as an end of an era describing the former Abia State University Vice Chancellor as a man that lived an accomplished life while on his sojourn on Earth.

Sen. Nwaogu further prayed God to grant him eternal rest and his family, friends and well wishers and UkwaNgwa the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.