From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
A university lecturer, Professor Anthony Okorie Ani, on Saturday, emerged the candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) for the February 3rd bye-election declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Ebonyi State.
The position of Ebonyi South Senatorial seat became vacant following the resignation of Senator David Umahi who is now Minister of Works.
There was a primary election on Saturday by APC in Afikpo, Afikpo local government area of the state the headquarters of the senatorial zone to elect a candidate that would fly the party’s ticket for the next month bye-election.
Returning Officer of the primary, Dr.Awode Akin Akinseyiwa said a total of 285 voters were accredited for the primary with two as voided votes while Ani scored 281 votes to emerge victorious.
“By the power conferred on me and the National Chairman of our party, I hereby declare Professor Okorie Ani as the senatorial candidate of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone”, he stated.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Obila lauded the peaceful conduct of the primary.
“We have really demonstrated that we are people of Ebonyi State. Ebonyi State leaders and others follow.
“You have seen what we have done today, we are one family. No fight, no rancor, no any quarrel here. We have all seen it here
“The election was just too peaceful, we delivered the rightful candidate”, she stated.
The state APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha described the primary as transparent, peaceful and credible.
He noted that the patty looked at the pedigree of all those interested in the senatorial position and settled for Ani.
In his acceptance speech, Ani promised to bring good tidings to the south senatorial zone, the state and the nation.
He promised to align with the policies and programs of the state and federal government if elected senator in the bye-election for effective representation.