From Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s bye-election for the Ebonyi South senatorial district Professor Anthony Ani has been declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Declaring the don winner at Afikpo LGA Secretariat, headquarters of the senatorial district, the Returning Officer, Kingsley Uchechukwu said that Ani polled 46,270 votes while his closest rival,Chief Ifeanyi Eleje of APGA secured 3,513 votes, leaving a margin of 42,757 votes.
Silas Onu of PDP polled 2,783 while his Labour Party counterpart, Linus Okorie garnered 2,710 votes.
“Ani Anthony Okorie of APC having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” he stated.
He disclosed that Professor Ani defeated his opponents in all the five component Local Government Areas of Afikpo, Edda, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha.
Afikpo LGA Chairman, Mr. Uche Ibiam who spoke shortly after the announcement of the results stated that Ani’s resounding victory at the polls confirmed the will of the people of Ebonyi South senatorial district and expressed confidence that the senator -elect would reciprocate accordingly by delivery effective representation to his constituents.
The joyous senator-elect, thanked the Minister of Works and immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, Governor Francis Nwifuru, the entire APC faithful and his constituents for the confidence repose in him.
“I have dedicated the victory to God Almighty and I will continue to thank him for the grace upon me, I appreciate all and sundry for the overwhelming support in every aspect and on this note, I promise to reciprocate the love with true representation at the hallowed chamber,” he said.
President-General of Onicha Igboeze Town Union, Chief Ferdinand Nwujor appreciated other component communities across the zone for their support to his subject and appealed that the senator-elect should make God’s principles both his watchword and compass at the National Assembly.
“Three months ago, Professor Ani did not dream of becoming one of the senators in Nigeria but today through his victory at the poll, he has made it, this is why I am advising that his representation should reflect the will of God in the lives of his constituents,” he appealed.
Six other political parties that participated in the bye-election are ADC, APGA, APP, LP NNPP and SDP.