Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has reacted to the death of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship candidate in the State, Prof Uchenna Ikonne.

9news Nigeria had reported Ikonne died on Wednesday after battling with undisclosed illness.

Reacting over his death, Ikpeazu ordered suspension of PDP campaigns.

The statement reads in full below ,

Press Release

It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.

Signed:

Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD
Executive Governor, Abia State
23/01/2023