The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented Certificate of Return to winner of the March 9 gubernatorial election in Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
DAILY POST had reported that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was declared winner of the 2019 gubernatorial election in Abia State, after polling the total number of 261,127 to defeat Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
He was declared winner by the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at INEC office in Umuahia, on Wednesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Abia State, Dr. Joseph Iloh, commended the people of Abia for their cooperation in achieving peaceful elections in the state.
He said, “I want to thank security agencies for providing conducive environment for a peaceful 2019 general election. I want to thank my National commissioner for his encouragement during the polls.
“I want to appeal to the winners to address the needs of the people, address the infrastructural deficits in the state”.
Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, INEC National Commissioner, in his remarks, said ” I congratulate the people of Abia State for coming out during the general election to choose their preferred candidates.
“I want to also congratulate the winners; you should see your victory in the just concluded elections as a trust from God, delivered through the people of Abia. I request you to treasure this mandate, so that at the end of the day, your names will be written in gold.”
In his acceptance speech, Governor Ikpeazu assured of his administration’s determination to consolidate on the gains made so far in all sectors of Abia economy.
The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu and 24 members-elect of the Abia House of Assembly also received their Certificates of Return from the electoral umpire.
