At People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Uchenna Ikonne, has died.
Mr. Ikonne, a professor and former vice-chancellor of Abia State University Uturu, died on Wednesday, January 25, around 4 am at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to a statement by his first son, Uche-Ikonne Chikezie, on behalf of the family.
“I regret to announce the death of my father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, January 25, 2023 at 4am after a brief illness.
He recovered after receiving proper treatment in the UK, but a relapse a few days ago led to a heart attack from which he did not recover,” the statement said.
“Further details and arrangements will be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are held with the family,” the statement said.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State earlier this month confirmed that the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Ikonne, is ill and, therefore, unable to attend a political rally ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Mr. Ikpeazu’s confirmation follows concerns over the absence of Mr. Ikonne from public meetings and other political events.
Journalists in Abia told PREMIUM TIMES that the PDP governorship aspirant collapsed during a rally and later became unwell.
In an earlier report by PREMIUM TIMES, Governor Ikpeazu said Mr. Ikonne attended several rallies organized by the PDP in Abia, including the November 24, 2022 launch of the party’s statewide campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
READ ALSO: Abia PDP gubernatorial candidate ill, says Gov Ikpeazu
He said Mr. Ikonne left the stadium for a gala night, organized to honor the G-5 governor at the state house (Ikpeazu) Umuobiakwa in Obingwa, “where he could have given a speech and then fell ill”.
“It is unfortunate that he has not been well lately, but I would like to report some progress and the progress is that Ikonne is recovering gradually and moving forward.
“He has been released from hospital and is recovering.
“I am confident that they will be strong enough to join,” the governor said.
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