Bye Election: University Don Emerges Ebonyi South APC Senatorial Candidate
By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki
The lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Professor Anthony Okorie Ani has emerged the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial district.
Professor Ani emerged the party’s flag bearer during primary election held at Afikpo North Local Government Area Headquarters of the State.
Declaring the results, the Chairman of the Bye-Election and Returning Officer, Dr. Akin Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa said Professor Ani polled 281 votes to emerged victory out of the 285 accredited voters whereas 4 votes were invalid.
He noted that the exercise was conducted in accordance with the electoral law.
The Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha described the election as a family affair and added that the candidate was chosen based on his track records and the yearnings of the masses.
“The most important thing is to listen to the yearnings of the masses and adhere to their heartbeat, APC understands the heartbeat of the masses and we will ensure that their needs are met.
“Additionally, the candidate has been in the lecturing job since the past 19 years and we have traced his track records and saw what he has been doing both in the institution and his community and on this note, we believe strongly that with him, APC will fly the ticket in the election”
Afikpo North LGA Chairman, Mr Uchenna Ibiam commended the leadership of the party over the peaceful harmonization through which some persons have dropped their ambition for the progress of the party.
“During the last general election, many people contested for a particular position which later resulted series of litigations but with this internal harmonization, there will be peace as many have accepted the arrangement” he said.
He expressed optimism that the party candidate would emerge winner come 3rd February, 2024 and promised 100% vote for the candidate.
Edda LGA Chairman, Mr Chima Ekuma Nkama also disclosed that before now, there was an internal arrangement where the party faithful and the candidates were told that the bye-election is not do or die affair.
He added that based on the profile of the candidate, Prof Anthony Ani would be given massive support on the main election day.
Ebonyi State Deputy governor, Mrs Patricia Obila described the bye-election as the best and urged the winner to work in tanderm with the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs in order to make the country proud.
Professor Ani, in his acceptance speech thanked the government officials and the voters and promised to work cordially with the constituted authority.
“This is a collective, I will not take the mandate for granted and I will cooperate because apart from God, government is the second in command in life existence, I have not being a deviant to any constituted authority.
“And I will remain so by being obedient to the government policies and principles, thank you for choosing me, I have not disappointed my people and it cannot be now” he said.
One of the founding fathers of the state, Chief Hycianth Ikpor thanked the organizers and advised the candidate to identify with other senators from Ebonyi State to enable him blend in the system.