By G9ija
Phillip Okey-Igwe, who was the running mate to the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Prof Uche Ikonne, has contested the party’s move to replace him.
Okey-Igwe insists that he remains the rightful deputy governorship candidate of the PDP.
The challenge by Okey-Igwe came after news surfaced that Jasper Uche had been named as the running mate to the new PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state, Chief Okay Ahiwe.
In his statement issued on Tuesday, Okey Igwe emphasized that his candidature is in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act, and therefore, he remains the legitimate deputy governorship candidate of the PDP.
He further called on his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to stay focused on his victory in the forthcoming election.
The statement partly read, “I wish to use this medium to thank all my supporters, fans and all Abians of good will for your phone calls and show of concern in the face of attempted substitution of my candidature as the duly nominated and subsisting deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, Abia State, for the 2023 elections.
“I have committed my soul, resources and energy to the course of victory for our party since my nomination alongside my late boss. My boss died, and I have accepted his death, albeit painfully, as the will of divinity. Yet, my candidature subsists in accord with the constitution and our Electoral Act.” He added.
He also called on the party leadership to “see reason” and avoid any actions that could harm the PDP’s chances of success.
“Any attempt to unlawfully subvert my candidature shall fail and worse still render the PDP governorship candidature inchoate, “That will amount to pulling the rug from under the feet of our great party.” Okey-Igwe warned.