PDP's governorship candidate in Abia State suddenly passes away after brief illness

NIGERIA'S main opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has to hurriedly field another gubernatorial candidate in Abia State after its governorship aspirant Professor Uchenna Ikonne suddenly died after a brief illness.

Next month, Nigeria goes to the polls with presidential, National Assembly, governorship and states houses of assemblies elections taking place. On March 11, Abia State, like many others in Nigeria will be electing a new governor and Professor Ikonne, a former vice chancellor of the Abia State University had been the frontrunner to get elected.

However, yesterday, Professor Ikonne, who had been receiving treatment at a UK hospital died at the National Hospital, Abuja. His son, Chikezie, issued statement on behalf of the family, confirming that his father had passed away.

Chikezie said:  “I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Professor 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."

Last week, Abia State's incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu confirmed that Professor Ikonne was ill. At the time, however, the governor had, assured that Professor Ikonne was recovering gradually and progressively.