The 12,newly-elected members of the Abia State House Assembly (ABHA) on Wednesday announced their preferred candidate for the Speakership position.
A source, who attended the meeting told DAILY POST that the members, who cut across political parties, endorsed Hon. Chinedum Orji (PDP) the current Majority Leader.
Chinedu is the first son of former Governor and current Senator representing Abia central senatorial district, Theodore Orji.
This came amid battle over who emerges as successor to incumbent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, who is also in the race.
There have been arguments by different blocs and stakeholders on which zone should produce the the next head of the legislative arm.
The election will hold next week likewise other states.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won 19 of the 24 constituency seats at the 2019 general election.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) clinched three seats, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the remaining two.
PDP won Aba North, Bende South, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South, Obingwa East, Obingwa West, Ohafia North, Ohafia South, Osisioma North and Osisioma South seats.
Others included Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia Central, Umunneochi, Umuahia East and Umuahia South.
APGA won the Arochukwu, Aba North and Aba South seats, while APC won the Bende South and Isuikwato state constituencies.
12 of the winners were re-elected for second tenure, while 12 were first timers.
The list of returnees included the Speaker, Kalu (PDP) Orji (PDP) and Abraham Obah (APGA).
Principal officers of the house, who lost re-election included Deputy Speaker, Cosmos Ndukwe (PDP) and Minority Leader, Chibuzor Okogbuo (APC).
