Abia PDP guber candidate suffers cardiac arrest, dies in Abuja

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Prof. Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, has been confirmed dead.

The PDP governorship candidate’s death was confirmed via a statement issued by his son, Uche-Ikonne Chikezie, on Wednesday.

He noted that Ikonne died in Abuja after a brief illness.

Chikezie stated: “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.

“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.

“Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family.”

It would be recalled that Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, recently said Ikonne fell sick after attending a gala of the G-5 governors.

Ikpeazu, in a local radio programme in Umuahia, disclosed that Ikonne attended some rallies organised by the PDP in Abia State including the November 24, 2022, launch of the party’s state-wide campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

He further stated that Ikonne left the stadium for a gala night organised in honour of the G-5 Governors in his (Ikpeazu) Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa, “where he managed to give a speech and then he took ill”.

The governor added that Ikonne was “recovering gradually and progressively”.

Prof. Ikonne was a former Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University, Uturu.

The Star