The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State chapter should conduct a fresh primary within 14 days following the death of its governorship candidate, Uchenna Ikonne.

Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, told Daily Sun that since the election is still one month aware, the State’s ruling party still have the window to conduct a fresh primary within 14 days of Ikonne’s death.

He further explained that; “if the candidate dies when polls have commenced, section 34(3)(b) of the Act provides that the running mate shall continue with the election and nominate a new running mate.”

The commission further warned that should the PDP fail to conduct fresh primaries within 14 days of the death of the candidate, it is assumed that they will not have a candidate in the election.

“Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022 is clear, unambiguous, and unequivocal that a political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted to the commission under section 29 of the Electoral Act except in the case of death of withdrawal,” Okoye explained.

(CDA NEWS)
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