There is anxiety within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ebonyi State chapter as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) restores the name of Mr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as the governorship candidate of the PDP, while that of the National Assembly candidates are still missing.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the commission in an amendment number three to the final list of candidates for the election issued on Monday January 30, said that the restoration of Mr Odii’s name is as a result of a court order.
INEC in its amendment number two issued on December 22, 2022 delisted the name of Mr Odii and his deputy governorship candidate, Senator Igwe Nwagu from the list of candidates also citing court order which created panic and apprehension within the party.
However, in the third amendment released yesterday and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony , the electoral umpire named Mr Linus Okorie, a former Member of the House of Representatives as the Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party for Ebonyi South zone.
With the latest failure of the commission to shortlist the names of the National Assembly Candidates, supporters of the main opposition party in the State are at lost if the party will still participate in the forthcoming National Assembly election in the state.
When LEADERSHIP visited some of the campaign offices of the National Assembly Candidates within Abakaliki metropolis, the offices which before now witness beehive of activities witnessed low turnout of party supporters.
The supporters seen at the campaign offices were seen in clusters discussing the delisting of the names of the candidates name while others were in a mournful mood.
INEC also listed the name of the Member Representing Ezza North/Ishielu Constituency, Anayo Edwin as the All Progressive Grand Alliance candidate for the constituency in place of Mr Joseph Nwobashi who was listed in the amendment number one as the party.
When contacted, the deputy director, media and publicity, PDP Campaign Council, Ebonyi State, Mr Moses Idika said that the campaign council will not comment on the matter until details of the development is made available to them.
But a loyalist of Hon Laz Ogbee, the senatorial candidate for Ebonyi Central senatorial district, Mr Hilary Onwe, expressed optimism that the names of all the National Assembly candidates of the party would be published before the election.
He said the PDP will overcome all the challenges that it is currently facing and will emerge victorious in the forthcoming general election.
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