Abia PDP conducts peaceful primaries

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries to elect its councilors and the nomination of three man delegates for the chairmanshoip primaries in Abia last weekend was peaceful in most parts of the state’s senatorial zones.

Although the election materials for the congress arrived late in most part of centres, the congress held in peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancor, and disturbances.   

In Ajata Na Igu ward in Ikwuano, the ward Chairman, Mr. Godwin Nwosu said they have over 5000 registered party members who are ready to abide by party instruction of using Option A4 system of voting, in Ubakala, a former Transition Committee Chairman of Umuahia South LGA, Deacon Charles Ekwueme disclosed that they were patiently waiting for the conduct of the councillorship primaries adding that the Ward A was adhering to their zoning formula to produce the next councilor to represent them.

In Umuosu in Umunna Nsulu in Isialala Ngwa North LGA, Chief Chucks Isaiah lamented the late arrival of the materials, stating however that the delegates were peaceful and orderly and expressed the hope that they would have a peaceful ward congress.

In Ahiaukwu Ward 1 in Olokoro in Umuahia South, the primaries were concluded successfully and in time, while the victorious candidate was jubilating with his supporters by the time newsmen arrived there.

At Urban ward 1, Ndume ward 2 and Mbaocha, all in Umuahia North, people were seen standing peacefully behind their candidates. Speaking, a PDP chieftain and former Special Adviser to the state Governor, Sir Pat Mgbemena expressed his satisfaction with the manner in which people conducted themselves during the primaries, while a former TC chairman of Umuahia North LGA, Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu, Chidiebere Ukairo, Diamond Okafor, John Okey and Sir Chris Emeka also lauded the peaceful conduct of the primaries and thanked the party for providing a level play ground for all applicants.

In Abia North, reports have it that in Bende, Ohafia and Isuikwuator LGAs the primaries were peaceful, with faithful having waited patiently for the late arrival of the materials.

Speaking at the Bende LGA headquarters, the Deputy TC Chairman, Owoh Eleke expressed his confidence that the party’s electoral officer would adhere to the directives of the party in the conduct of the primaries and called on faithful to be cooperative, while at Ohafia LGA, congress materials were still being sorted out, while the council chairman, Samson Anagha expressed his confidence that the primaries would go smoothly.

In Ukwa East and Ukwa West of Abia South Senatorial Zone, people came out in their numbers for the exercise.

Speaking later, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Sir Don Ubani thanked the people for the orderly manner in which they conducted themselves, assuring them that their choice will be protected, stating that the party is committed to fairness.

 In Aba North and South, and Obingwa, the conduct of the primaries were very smooth and quick as most wards had earlier fielded consensus candidates that made the election fast and free from adverse issues.

In Abayi ward 1 conducted at Osusu Amauba Primary School, the material were yet to arrive by 1.46 pm, while at Obingwa LGA Headquarters, the materials were still being distributed by 3.00pm.

At Umuola ward 8 of Aba North, the primary was peaceful and orderly and ended in time, while Sand and Gravel ward in Ogbor Hill, the election had ended peacefully by 4.17pm.