The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abia State yesterday endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its candidate for the March 9 governorship election.
Chairman of forum of chairmen of local government chapters of the party in the state, Hon Chijioke Ozems announced this at a press briefing in Umuahia, the state capital.
But there seems to be a crack in the party as the chairman and the governorship candidate of the party, Hon Chidi Nwosu and Blessing Nwagba respectively were absent at the occasion. He said they arrived at the resolution to ensure peace; stability and equity in the state, saying it will be unfair to deny the governor a second term in office like his predecessors.
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“His predecessors, Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji from Abia North and Abia Central senatorial districts respectively did two terms each, so it will be fair and just to allow him do same,” he said.
According to him, it was in pursuit of similar agenda that the party at the national level adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate for the just concluded presidential election.
He denied that the absence of Nwosu and Nwagba was an indication of a rift in the party, adding that its structures at all levels in the state are still intact.
Ozems, who is the chairman of Isiala Ngwa North local government area chapter of the party said in view of this, the members will advice Nwagba to step down for Ikpeazu.
Similarly, the organising secretary of the party, Comrade Chukwudi Abengowe, argued that the adoption was borne out of their conviction that it is a step in the right direction.
However, he maintained that the party would contest the state Assembly elections, expressing optimism that it would win the elections in a landslide “because it is very much on ground.”
