SDP council chairmen back Ikpeazu’s re-election

There are indications that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Abia state, Blessing Nwagba may have been abandoned by her 17 local government chairmen of the party.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia, the Chairmen led by Chief Chijioke Ozems of Isiala Ngwa Norh expressed their intention to tell Abians that they have formally adopted Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as their consensus candidate.

According to the group, the party had adopted President Buhari, stating that their state chairman, Chidi Nwosu had agreed to the endorsement.

“Today, we are adopting Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for posterity, future and equity sake, having seen the security situation in Abia state and what he has done,” adding that they have appealed to the state SDP guber candidate, Blessing Nwagba to step down for Ikpeazu.

“All we are doing is in the interest of the state, not in the interest of the party,” the group said, stating that their decision was in unison.

“We have woken from sleep and want to make sure we return Ikpeazu. He has done well,” he said, disclosing that SDP is not factionalized and has the needed strength to bring equity.

“It is the turn of Abia South to complete their turn. We are 100 per cent loyal to the SDP in the state. Let equity reign,” Nwosu added.

Meanwhile, reacting to the endorsement, the SDP in Abia yesterday suspended its 17 council chairmen for anti-party activities.

The enlarged State Working Committee of the party led by its state Chairman, Chidi Nwosu said the 17 chairmen have been suspended in line with the party’s constitution, while one of them who is also the state organizing secretary, Chijioke Abengowe was expelled for impersonation.

The suspension, he added, is subject to INEC ratification.