How Abia State PDP Governorship Candidate, Prof. Ikonne Died

• …As Ikpeazu calls for calm in PDP
• …Approves flags to fly in half mast in PDP offices, suspends campaigns till Monday

More details have emerged how the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne died.

Ikonne died on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Uche-Ikonne Chikezie said in a statement on behalf of his family.

“I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness,” Dr Uche-Ikonne Chikezie said.

“He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from.”

Chikezie said further details and burial arrangements would be made known to the public after family meetings.

Meanwhile, Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has commiserate with the family of the state’s governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Uchenna Ikonne, while approving that flays fly in half mast in PDP offices.

The governor also called for calm in the PDP.

In a press statement he personally signed, Ikpeazu said: “It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.

“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.”