2023 Abia State gubernatorial election

The 2023 Abia State gubernatorial election took place on 18 March 2023, to elect the Governor of Abia State, concurrent with elections to the Abia State House of Assembly as well as twenty-seven other gubernatorial elections and elections to all other state houses of assembly.[1][2] The election—which was postponed from its original 11 March date—will be held three weeks after the presidential election and National Assembly elections.[3] Incumbent PDP governor Okezie Ikpeazu was term-limited and could not seek a third term. Alex Otti, a banker, gained the office for the Labour Party by a margin of victory over first runner-up and PDP nominee—Okey Ahiwe, the former Chief of Staff to Ikpeazu.

2023 Abia State gubernatorial election
18 March 2023
Opinion polls
Registered2,120,808
 
Nominee Alex Otti Okey Ahiwe Enyinnaya Nwafor
Party LP PDP YPP
Running mate Ikechukwu Emetu Jasper Uche Chima Anyaso
 
Nominee Ikechi Emenike Gregory Ibe
Party APC APGA
Running mate Gloria Akara Obinna Ichita
Governor before election

Okezie Ikpeazu
PDP

 Elected Governor

Alex Otti
LP

Party primaries were scheduled for between 4 April and 9 June 2022 with the Labour Party nominating Otti on 9 June.[4] For the All Progressives Congress, two separate parallel primaries were held on 26 May with one primary nominating economist Ikechi Emenike and the other primary picking former minister Uche Ogah.[5][6] INEC initially recognised Emenike as the legitimate nominee in July after a court ruled in his favour but switched recognition to Ogah after his successful November appeal;[7][8] however, the next month a new court ruling reinstated Emenike as the APC nominee.[9] The All Progressives Grand Alliance nominated educationist Gregory Ibe on 29 May;[10] however, a Federal High Court ruling nullified the primary on 1 December due to irregularities in the primary with a February Court of Appeal ruling barring the party from fielding a nominee.[11][12] The Peoples Democratic Party nominated professor Uche Ikonne on 25 May but Ikonne died in January 2023, prompting a new primary on 4 February which resulted in the nomination of Ahiwe.[13][14][15][16]

Electoral system

The Governor of Abia State is elected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of local government areas. If no candidate passes this threshold, a second round will be held.

Background

Abia State is a small, Igbo-majority southeastern state; although it is one of the most developed states in the nation, Abia has faced challenges in security as both the nationwide kidnapping epidemic and separatist violence have heavily affected the region. Originally launched ostensibly to defend ethnic Igbos from herdsmen and government attacks, the separatist organization Indigenous People of Biafra's Eastern Security Network began violently enforcing economically destructive weekly lockdowns in 2021 and swiftly were criticized for committing human rights abuses against civilians it was meant to protect.[17][18] These atrocities coupled with law enforcement brutality and herder–farmer clashes worsened the security situation prior to the election.[19][20]

Politically, the 2019 elections were categorized as a solidification of the Abia PDP's control but a slight expansion of the APC on the federal level. Statewise, Ikpeazu won re-election with over 60% of the vote and the vast majority of House of Assembly seats were won by the PDP. On the other hand, while the PDP was still successful federally, it lost ground only winning seven House of Representatives seats and two Senate seats compared to all nine and all three in 2015. For the presidency, Abia was easily won by PDP nominee Atiku Abubakar with about 68% but still swung towards the APC and had strikingly low turnout.

During Ikpeazu's second term, his administration stated focuses included support for small and medium-sized enterprises, water resource management, and infrastructure development;[21] however, he was routinely criticized for lack of action on transportation infrastructure projects. After being accused of abandoning a four-year-long flyover project, Ikpeazu's response of deriding questioners as walkers that "don’t have [the] vehicles" to use the uncompleted flyover was widely criticized as arrogant and out-of-touch.[22][23] At other points during his administration Ikpeazu was criticized for poor waste management, his unfounded initial dismissal of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and the unilateral sacking of three local government chairman in June 2020 while being praised for expanding access to clean water.[24][25][26][27]

Primary elections

The primaries, along with any potential challenges to primary results, were to take place between 4 April and 3 June 2022 but the deadline was extended to 9 June.[2][28] An informal zoning gentlemen's agreement and the formal Abia Charter of Equity sets the Abia North Senatorial District to have the next governor as Abia North has not held the governorship since 2007.[29][30][31] Within Abia North, the Ohafia clan of the southern part of Abia North has claimed to be next in line for the governorship as the previous Abia North Governor (Orji Uzor Kalu) was from the northern part of Abia North.[32][33][34][35]

However, no major party closed their primaries to either non-Northern or non-Ohafia candidates as the PDP nominated someone from the central district while APGA nominated a northerner.

All Progressives Congress

The year prior to the APC primaries were beset by party infighting between factions led by Ikechi Emenike and Donatus Nwankpa, culminating in two parallel party congresses in October 2021.[36] Analysts contest that the party crisis had to be resolved if the APC was to be competitive in the general election.[37] Emenike's grouping eventually won out and was recognized by the national party in February 2022 but the party infighting continued until the primary. As primaries neared, Emenike and state party chairman Kingsley Ononogbu stated that the primary would not be zoned and would open to all aspirants.[38]

On 20 April 2022, the APC National Executive Committee announced the party's schedule for gubernatorial primaries, setting its expression of interest form price at ₦10 million and nomination form price at ₦40 million with a 50% nomination form discount for candidates younger than 40 while women and candidates with disabilities get free nomination forms. Forms were to be sold from 26 April to 6 May until the deadline was later extended to 10 May then 12 May.[39] After the submission of nomination forms by 13 May, candidates were screened by a party committee on 14 and 15 May while 16 May was the date for the screening appeal process.[40] Ward congresses and LGA congresses were set for between 7 and 9 May to elect delegates for the primary. Candidates approved by the screening process advanced to a primary set for 26 May, in concurrence with other APC gubernatorial primaries; challenges to the result could be made the next day.[41][42][43][44]

On the primary date, two parallel primaries were held with Emenike's grouping holding an indirect primary at the Chidiebere Arena while the other candidates held a direct primary (citing a national APC directive for a direct primary in Abia) that carried on into the next day. After both primaries were peacefully held, the Chidiebere Arena primary ended in Emenike winning by a wide margin while the direct primary resulted in a victory for former minister Uche Ogah.[5][6] It was expected that the APC National Working Committee and/or litigation would decide which primary was legitimate but the state party quickly lined up behind Emenike.[45][5][46] When Ogah sued to prevent Emenike's recognition, a Court of Appeal sided with Emenike and threw out the lawsuit.[47] In mid-August, Emenike selected Gloria Akara—a clergywoman from Ukwa East LGA—as his running mate.[48] Another lawsuit against Emenike, from Daniel Eke, was dismissed by a High Court in October.[49] The Emenike candidacy was derailed in November when Ogah—who had appealed the previous judgement against him—won his case before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, declaring Emenike's nomination invalid and affirming Ogah's nomination.[8] However, the next month, a Court of Appeal ruling overturned that decision and reinstated Emenike as the legitimate nominee.[9]

Nominated

Eliminated in primary
  • Uche Ogah: former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development (2019–2022) and 2019 APC gubernatorial nominee[51][5]
  • Emeka Atuma: former House of Representatives member for Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano (2003–2007)[52]
  • Daniel Eke: accountant[53]
  • Paul Ikonne: Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (2020–present)
  • Obinna Oriaku: former Commissioner for Finance (2015–2019)[54]

Withdrew

Declined

Results

Candidates' vote share

  Ikechi Emenike (75.34%)
  Emeka Atuma (16.81%)
  Other candidates (7.85%)
APC Chidiebere Arena primary results[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
APC Ikechi Emenike 672 75.34%
APC Emeka Atuma 150 16.81%
APC Paul Ikonne 22 2.47%
APC Daniel Eke 16 1.79%
APC Alex Otti (withdrawn) 14 1.57%
APC Obinna Oriaku 12 1.35%
APC Uche Ogah 6 0.67%
Total votes 919 100.00%


Invalid indirect primary results

Candidates' vote share

  Uche Ogah (72.50%)
  Paul Ikonne (13.82%)
  Other candidates (13.68%)
APC direct primary results[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
APC Uche Ogah 141,952 72.50%
APC Paul Ikonne 27,054 13.82%
APC Ikechi Emenike 9,446 4.82%
APC Emeka Atuma 7,429 3.79%
APC Obinna Oriaku 5,553 2.84%
APC Alex Otti (withdrawn) 2,414 1.23%
APC Daniel Eke 1,953 1.00%
Total votes 195,801 100.00%

All Progressives Grand Alliance

On 25 March 2022, the national APGA announced its primary schedule, setting its expression of interest form price at ₦3 million and the nomination form price at ₦12 million with a 50% discount for women candidates and candidates with disabilities.[60] Forms were to be sold from 29 March to 11 April but the deadline was extended to 15 April;[61] after the purchase of forms, gubernatorial candidates were screened by a party committee on 22 and 23 April while the screening appeal process was held on 5 May. Ward congresses were set for 10 May to elect delegates for the primary. Candidates approved by the screening process advanced to a primary set for 29 May, in concurrence with all other APGA gubernatorial primaries; challenges to the result could be made on 31 May.[62][63]

On the primary date, the four candidates contested an indirect primary that ended with Gregory Ibe emerging as the PDP nominee after results showed Ibe winning around 54% of the delegates' votes. In his acceptance speech, Ibe called for his opponents to unify the party but one of them, Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma, immediately rejected the results.[10] Both of the other opponents later also rejected Ibe's win and separately went to court to challenge the results.[64] In July, Ibe's running mate was announced as Obinna Ichita—a MHA.[65] However, on December 1, Udensi's lawsuit was successful as a Federal High Court ruling annulled the primary and ordered APGA to conduct a new primary within fourteen days.[11] The party stated its intent to appeal the ruling instead of holding a new primary.[66] However, its appeal was dismissed by a Court of Appeal judgment on 8 February 2023 and, since the High Court's fourteen days limit had elapsed, the judgment also barred APGA from fielding a gubernatorial nominee in the election.[12] Ibe rejected the ruling and immediately began to appeal process which led to the reinstatement of Ibe as nominee.[67][68]

Nominated

Eliminated in primary

Results

Candidates' vote share

  Gregory Ibe (54.53%)
  Etigwe Uwa (36.22%)
  Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (6.94%)
  Chikwe Udensi (2.31%)
APGA primary results[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
APGA Gregory Ibe 283 54.53%
APGA Etigwe Uwa 188 36.22%
APGA Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma 36 6.94%
APGA Chikwe Udensi 12 2.31%
Total votes 519 100.00%

People's Democratic Party

Ahead of the primary, arguments over zoning starkly divided the state PDP as groups from each senatorial district separately demanded different zoning arrangements with groups from the Southern district attempting to keep the primary open and those from the Central district lobbying for the nomination to be zoned to the centre along with those from the Northern district, whose turn it is based on the previous agreement.[72] Eventually, the party zoned its nomination to both the Northern and Central districts in late March 2022.[73] The decision immediately elevated the intraparty strife as Northern groups protested the inclusion of the Central district in what was termed an "abnormal novelty" meant to allow a central candidate Ikpeazu supported to run.[74] Southern PDP stakeholders also rejected the arrangement with candidate Enyinnaya Abaribe describing it as unjust imposition meant to exclude him from the primary.[75]

Another cause of internal party rifts was Ikpeazu's alleged attempts to impose his preferred candidate upon the party, with opponents accusing him of unduly supporting either optometrist Uche Ikonne or his former aide Chinenye Nwogu.[76] The alleged endorsement of Ikonne caused even greater turmoil as Ikonne is not only from the Central district but is also a member of the Ukwa-Ngwa ethnic subgroup, just like Ikpeazu.[77] While Ukwa-Ngwa bodies dismissed objections to consecutive Ukwa-Ngwa governors and lined up behind Ikonne, other candidates vehemently opposed what was termed subethnic "self-succession."[78]

On 16 March 2022, the national PDP announced its gubernatorial primaries' schedule, setting its expression of interest form price at ₦1 million and the nomination form price at ₦20 million with a 50% discount for candidates between 25 and 30. Forms were to be sold until 1 April but the party later extended the deadline four times before reaching a final deadline of 22 April. After the submission of nomination forms by 25 April, candidates were screened by a party committee on 28 April while 2 May was the rescheduled date for the screening appeal process. Ward congresses were set for 29 April and LGA congresses were rescheduled for 10 May to elect delegates for the primary.[79] Candidates approved by the screening process advanced to a primary set for 25 May, in concurrence with all other PDP gubernatorial primaries; challenges to the result could be made in the following days.[80][81]

In the days before the primary, the party crisis deepened as several governorship aspirants and other stakeholders rejected the ad hoc delegate list as fabricated and accused bad actors of planning on doctoring the statutory delegate list as well.[82] Analysts noted that if the allegations were proven true, the Abia PDP was risking disqualification by using unelected delegates.[83] When their appeals to the national party for intervention failed, seven candidates withdrew on the date of the primary in protest of its conduct including Abaribe and Oko Chukwu.[84] Ikonne ended up winning the nomination easily with over 80% of the votes cast.[13] However, the fiery primary and party crisis around it caused massive divides within the Abia PDP with Abaribe defecting to APGA the day after the primary.[85] In June, Ikonne selected Okey Igwe—MHA for Umunneochi—as his running mate.

May 2022 primary

Nominated in May 2022 primary

  • Uche Ikonne†: optometrist[86][87]
    • Running mate—Okey Igwe: House of Assembly member for Umunneochi

Eliminated in May 2022 primary

  • Lucky Igbokwe: businessman[88][87]
  • Ezenwanyi Ngozi Jonah

Withdrew from May 2022 primary

Declined to run in May 2022 primary

Results of May 2022 primary

Candidates' vote share

  Uche Ikonne (85.56%)
  Lucky Igbokwe (8.23%)
  Other candidates (6.21%)
PDP primary results[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
PDP Uche Ikonne 468 85.56%
PDP Lucky Igbokwe 45 8.23%
PDP Ude Oko Chukwu (withdrawn) 6 1.10%
PDP Enyinnaya Abaribe (withdrawn) 5 0.91%
PDP Chima Anyaso (withdrawn) 5 0.91%
PDP Ezenwanyi Ngozi Jonah 5 0.91%
PDP Enyinnaya Nwafor (withdrawn) 4 0.73%
PDP Emma Nwaka (withdrawn) 4 0.73%
PDP Ncheta Omerekpe (withdrawn) 3 0.55%
PDP Greg Ibe (withdrawn) 2 0.37%
PDP Other candidates (withdrawn) 0 0.00%
Total votes 547 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 8 N/A
Turnout 555 Unknown

However, Ikonne's death on 25 January 2023 forced the PDP into a new nomination process less than two months before the election in addition to vacating Igwe's nomination.[96][97] On 27 January, the state PDP announced the first part of the new gubernatorial primary schedule, with expression of interest and nomination forms being sold until 1 February. The next day, aspirants must present themselves to the State Working Committee at the State Party Secretariat.[15] Pre-primary analysis mainly focused on the losing aspirants from the first primary that had remained in the PDP along with reports that state party leadership had held several meetings about the primary throughout the state.[98] One of these meetings, attended by Ikpeazu and several prospective candidates, resulted in the micro-zoning of the nomination to the Isiala Ngwa North LGA—Ikonne's LGA—on 30 January despite renewed calls for zoning the nomination to the North;[99][100] candidates from outside of Isiala Ngwa North were allowed to contested though. Pre-primary analysis reviewed the complicated circumstances of the primary but revealed that the party intended on using the controversial delegate list from the May primary along with reports that Ikpeazu and other members of party leadership had decided on Okey Ahiwe—Ikpeazu's Chief of Staff—as their pick for the nomination.[101] On primary day, five candidates contested an indirect primary at the Umuahia Township Stadium resulted in Ahiwe emerging as the PDP nominee after results showed him winning over 93% of the delegates' votes.[16][102] Later reporting revealed that delegates had been bribed to support Ahiwe and none of the unsuccessful aspirants conceded to Ahiwe after the announcement of results.[103] In the days after the primary, reporting revealed that Ikpeazu planned to drop Ikonne's running mate—Okey Igwe—in favour of Jasper Uche to placate the Theodore Orji-led intraparty bloc.[104] Although Igwe loudly protested the move and claimed that his nomination had not been voided by Ikonne's death, the PDP submitted Uche's name to INEC and he was listed as the deputy gubernatorial nominee.[105][106]

Nominated in February 2023 primary
  • Okey Ahiwe: former Chief of Staff to the Governor[16]
    • Running mate—Jasper Uche[106]

Eliminated in February 2023 primary

Withdrew from February 2023 primary

Declined to run in February 2023 primary
  • Ncheta Omerekpe: businessman[98]

Results of February 2023 primary

Candidates' vote share

  Okey Ahiwe (93.06%)
  Other candidates (6.94%)
PDP primary results[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
PDP Okey Ahiwe 469 93.06%
PDP Lucky Igbokwe 12 2.38%
PDP Ude Oko Chukwu 12 2.38%
PDP Sampson Orji 11 2.18%
PDP Emma Nwaka 0 0.00%
Total votes 504 100.00%

Minor parties

Campaign

Prior to the formal campaign period start in October 2022, analysts noted the deep divides within the state PDP due to the fallout from the primary and the jettisoning of zoning. Observers claimed the crisis provided an opportunity to Emenike and Ibe along with the more prominent minor party nominees—Sunday Onuoha (ADC), Alex Otti (LP), and Enyinnaya Nwafor (YPP). The next month, on 7 November, the first public poll—conducted by NOI Polls and commissioned by the Anap Foundation—was released for the race with it showing a substantial lead for Otti while Ikonne, Ibe, and Emenike trailed in second, third, and fourth, respectively.[113] In the weeks afterwards, ThisDay profiled Otti's campaign and chances while The Guardian analysis focused on the election's potential impact on future zoning and the state Charter of Equity.[114][115]

As the general election campaign commenced, internal and legal disputes within the APC and APGA derailed their campaigns as court rulings switched legal recognition from Emenike to Ogah in the APC and annulled the APGA primary in mid-November and early December, respectively.[8][11] Both decisions were appealed with Emenike being reinstated as nominee in late December while the APGA case continued.[9] Similarly, the PDP faced continued challenges to its primary that carried into the new year along with controversy over Ikonne's unknown whereabouts from late November to January;[116] It was not until mid-January that Ikpeazu revealed that Ikonne had been ill and was in the process of recovery.[117][118][119] However, opponents claimed that Ikonne's health status was far worse than Ikpeazu had stated and the PDP was concealing his true condition.[120] These statements were confirmed on 25 January, when Ikonne's family announced that he had died in the National Hospital, Abuja.[14] Amid the continued APC crisis and the renewed PDP divides surrounding its new primary, pundits noted that the divisions in the two parties gave other candidates a much better chance of victory.[121] Nonetheless, the PDP nominated Ahaiwe but doubts emerged over the prospect of such a sudden candidacy.[16][122] Litigation returned to the forefront just days later as APGA's appeal of its primary annulment was dismissed by a Court of Appeal judgment on 8 February and, since the High Court's fourteen days limit had elapsed, the judgment also barred APGA from fielding any gubernatorial nominee in the election; however, another appeal overturned the ruling later that month.[12][123]

Later in February, focus switched to the presidential election on 25 February. In the election, Abia State voted for Peter Obi (LP); Obi won the state with 88.4% of the vote, beating Atiku Abubakar (PDP) at 6.1% and Bola Tinubu (APC) at 2.4%. Although the result was unsurprising—Abia is in Obi's southeastern stronghold and projections had favored him—the result led to increased attention on Otti's chances in the gubernatorial race with the EiE-SBM forecast projecting Otti to win "based on the outcome of the presidential elections and the state's evolving voting patterns."[124]

Polling
Polling organisation/client Fieldwork
date		 Sample
size
APC
APGA
LP
PDP
 Others Undecided None/No response/Refused
Emenike
APC		 Ibe
APGA		 Otti
LP		 Ikonne[lower-alpha 1]
PDP
NOI Polls for Anap Foundation October 2022 500 3% 4% 20% 9% 3%[lower-alpha 2] 34% 28%[lower-alpha 3]

Projections
Source Projection As of
Africa Elects[lower-alpha 4][125] Lean Otti 17 March 2023
Enough is Enough-
SBM Intelligence[lower-alpha 5][124]		 Otti 2 March 2023

Conduct

Electoral timetable

On 26 February 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable, setting out key dates and deadlines for the election.[2] Months later on 27 May 2022, INEC made a slight revision to the timetable, allowing parties extra time to conduct primaries.[126]

  • 28 February 2022 – Publication of Notice of Election
  • 4 April 2022 – First day for the conduct of party primaries
  • 9 June 2022[lower-alpha 6] – Final day for the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them
  • 1 July 2022 – First day for submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal
  • 15 July 2022 – Final day for submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal
  • 12 October 2022 – Commencement of the official campaign period
  • 16 March 2023[lower-alpha 7] – Final day of the official campaign period


General election

Results
2023 Abia State gubernatorial election
Party Candidate Votes %
A Emeka Michael Nwankpa
AA Wilson Kalu Akuma
AAC Bond Ohuche
ADC Sunday Onuoha
ADP Chibuike Jonas
APC Ikechi Emenike
APM Anyim Uguru Chikezie
APP Mascot Kalu
APGA TBD
BP Lucky Achinihu Ekeji
LP Alex Otti 175,467
NNPP Ukpai Iro Ukpai
NRM Ijeoma Kalu
PDP Okey Ahiwe 88,529
PRP Nnenna Ngwa'Mma Lancaster-Okoro
SDP Gladys Ikonnaya Ngozi Johnson-Ogbuneke
YPP Enyinnaya Nwafor 28,972
ZLP Prince Chibunna Onukwu
Total votes 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes N/A
Turnout

By senatorial district

The results of the election by senatorial district.

LGA TBD
APC		 TBD
APGA		 Alex Otti
LP		 Okey Ahiwe
PDP		 Others Total Valid Votes
Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage
Abia Central Senatorial District[lower-alpha 8] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Abia North Senatorial District[lower-alpha 9] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Abia South Senatorial District[lower-alpha 10] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Totals TBD TBD% TBD TBD% TBD TBD% TBD TBD% TBD TBD% TBD

By federal constituency

The results of the election by federal constituency.

Federal Constituency TBD
APC		 TBD
APGA		 Alex Otti
LP		 Okey Ahiwe
PDP		 Others Total Valid Votes
Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage
Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 11] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 12] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Bende Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 13] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 14] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 15] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Obingwa/Ugwunagbo/Osisioma Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 16] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 17] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency[lower-alpha 18] TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD
Totals TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD

By local government area

The results of the election by local government area.

LGA TBD
APC		 TBD
APGA		 Alex Otti
LP		 Okey Ahiwe
PDP		 Others Total Valid Votes Turnout Percentage
Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage Votes Percentage
Aba North TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Aba South TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Arochukwu TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Bende TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Ikwuano TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Isiala Ngwa North TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Isiala Ngwa South TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Isuikwuato TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Obi Ngwa TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Ohafia TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Osisioma TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Ugwunagbo TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Ukwa East TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Ukwa West TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Umuahia North TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Umuahia South TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Umu Nneochi TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  % TBD  %
Totals TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD % TBD %

See also

Notes
  1. Poll conducted prior to Ikonne's death
  2. Enyinnaya Nwafor (YPP): 2%; Mascot Kalu (APP): 1%
  3. Refused: 25%; None: 2%
  4. AfricaElects projections predict the likelihood of a candidate winning a state by categorizing a state as "Safe" for exceedingly likely, "Likely" for somewhat likely, and "Lean" for least likely. If no clear determination could be made, states are categorized as "tossups".
  5. EiE-SBM projections predict which candidates will win states.
  6. The original deadline was 3 June; however, INEC pushed it back to 9 June at the behest of parties.[28]
  7. The original deadline was 9 March; however, INEC pushed it back to 16 March.[3]
  8. Comprising the local government areas of Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South.
  9. Comprising the local government areas of Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Umu Nneochi.
  10. Comprising the local government areas of Aba North, Aba South, Obi Ngwa, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, and Ukwa West.
  11. Comprising the local government areas of Aba North and Aba South.
  12. Comprising the local government areas of Arochukwu and Ohafia.
  13. Comprising the local government area of Bende.
  14. Comprising the local government areas of Isiala-Ngwa North and Isiala-Ngwa South.
  15. Comprising the local government areas of Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi.
  16. Comprising the local government areas of Obi Ngwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo.
  17. Comprising the local government areas of Ukwa East and Ukwa West.
  18. Comprising the local government areas of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South.

References
  1. Oyekanmi, Rotimi (26 February 2022). "It's Official: 2023 Presidential, National Assembly Elections to Hold Feb 25". INEC News. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  2. Jimoh, Abbas (26 February 2022). "INEC Sets New Dates For 2023 General Elections". Daily Trust. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  3. Suleiman, Qosim. "It's Official: INEC postpones Saturday's governorship, state assembly elections". Premium Times. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  4. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "2023: Otti Wins Labour Party Guber Ticket for Abia". ThisDay. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  5. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Emenike Wins APC Guber Primary in Abia". ThisDay. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  6. Emeruwa, Chijindu. "2023: Ogah emerges Abia APC guber candidate". Daily Post. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  7. Ndujihe, Clifford; Oyadongha, Samuel; Idio, Emem; Ojomoyela, Rotimi; Ogunnaike, James; Ajayi, Olayinka; Oko, Steve. "2023 GUBER: Battles for states take shape as INEC clears candidates". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  8. Ejekwonyilo, Ameh. "Court declares Uche Ogah as APC governorship candidate in Abia". Premium Times. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  9. Azu, John Chuks. "Abia: Court Of Appeal Upturns Ogah's Nomination As APC Candidate". Daily Trust. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  10. Nwakanma, Sunday (29 May 2022). "Gregory varsity proprietor clinches Abia APGA gov ticket". The Punch. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  11. Osaji, Sharon. "Court nullifies Abia APGA gov primary, orders fresh election". The Punch. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  12. Ugwu, Chinagorom. "2023: APGA has no governorship candidate in Abia, Court of Appeal rules". Premium Times. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  13. Nseyen, Nsikak. "Prof Uche Ikonne wins PDP governorship primary in Abia". Daily Post. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  14. Ugwu, Chinagorom. "UPDATED: Abia PDP governorship candidate is dead". Premium Times. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  15. Odunsi, Wale. "Abia: PDP fixes February 4 to elect Ikonne's replacement". Daily Post. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  16. Eziyi, Kalu. "Fresh Primary: Ex-Ikpeazu's Aide, Ahiwe, Emerges New Abia PDP Guber Candidate". Leadership. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  17. Ayitogo, Nasir. "ANALYSIS: Despite Nnamdi Kanu's incarceration, IPOB-linked killings, attacks continue in South-east". Premium Times. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  18. Okoli, Anayo; Nkwopara, Chidi; Agbo, Dennis; Nwaiwu, Chimaobi; Alaribe, Ugochukwu; Okonkwo, Nwabueze; Adonu, Chinedu; Alozie, Chinonso; Odu, Ikechukwu; Oko, Steve; Ali, Uchenna. "How Monday sit-at-home is affecting South-East economy". Vanguard. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  19. "Nigeria: At least 115 people killed by security forces in four months in country's Southeast". Amnesty International. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  20. Ukpong, Cletus. "Insecurity: Abia govt accuses herders of kidnapping". Premium Times. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  21. Emeruwa, Chijindu. "Second term: Gov. Ikpeazu reveals plans for Abia in next four years". Daily Post. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  22. Shibayan, Dyepkazah. "'Those asking why I haven't completed bridge project don't have cars' — Ikpeazu lashes out at critics". TheCable. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  23. "ICYMI…Ranking Nigerian Govs Jan, 2022: Sanwo-Olu's strides, Ortom's self-sabotage, Ikpeazu's shocker, Matawalle's mystery political bandits". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  24. "RANKING NIGERIAN GOVERNORS, OCTOBER, 2019: Top 5, Bottom 5". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  25. "RANKING NIGERIAN GOVERNORS, MARCH, 2020: Top 5, Bottom 5". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  26. "TOP 5, BOTTOM 5: How Nigerian governors ranked in July, 2020". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  27. "Top 5, Bottom 5: RipplesNigeria ranking of Nigerian governors for August, 2020". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  28. James, Dominic. "Primaries: INEC Grants Parties Six Extra Days, Timetable Remains Unchanged". INEC News. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  29. Alaribe, Ugochukwu. "2023: Abia North wants Ikpeazu to uphold rotation of gov seat on senatorial zones". Vanguard. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  30. Njoku, Lawrence. "2023: Abia state and old issues of zoning, charter of equity". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  31. Sampson, Okey. "2023: Abia leaders bicker over governorship seat". The Sun. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  32. Oko, Steve. "Abia 2023: Ohafia clan insists on producing governor". Vanguard. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  33. "2023: Zoning has come to stay in Abia – PDP chieftain". Premium Times. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  34. Udeajah, Gordi. "Curious Abia State political scenario that may shape 2023". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  35. Egburonu, Sam. "2023: Fresh rumbles over Abia Charter of Equity". The Nation. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  36. Alaribe, Ugochukwu. "APC holds two congresses in Abia". Vanguard. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  37. "Abia 2023: Concern mounts as crises threaten opposition parties". The Nation. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  38. Eziyi, Kalu. "2023: APC Leader Rules Out Zoning In Abia". Leadership. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  39. Odunsi, Wale. "2023: APC extends sale of forms, fixes dates to elect delegates". Daily Post. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  40. Nseyen, Nsikak. "2023: APC fixes new date for governorship primaries, others". Daily Post. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  41. Majeed, Bakare (20 April 2022). "UPDATED: 2023: APC fixes presidential forms for N100 million, adopts indirect primaries". Premium Times. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  42. Angbulu, Stephen; Ayeni, Victor; Dada, Peter; Naku, Dennis; Ede, Raphael (21 April 2022). "Presidential primary: APC silent on zoning, Nigerians condemn N100m nomination fee". The Punch. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  43. APC Nigeria [@OfficialAPCNg] (May 11, 2022). "NEW DATES" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 May 2022 – via Twitter.
  44. APC Nigeria [@OfficialAPCNg] (May 18, 2022). "ADJUSTED TIMETABLE" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 May 2022 – via Twitter.
  45. "Two Factional Candidates Emerge In Abia APC Governorship Primary". Channels TV. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  46. Ndujihe, Clifford. "ABIA 2023: Emenike remains APC gov candidate – APC". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  47. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Appeal Court Throws out Suit Challenging Emenike's Guber Candidature in Abia". ThisDay. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  48. Udeajah, Gordi. "Abia APC guber candidate unveils woman running mate". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  49. Eziyi, Kalu. "Abia 2023: Emenike Survives Bid To Nullify Primary". Leadership. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  50. "2023: Ikechi Emenike Picks Abia APC Governorship Form". ThisDay. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  51. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya. "Buhari's minister joins Abia gov race". The Punch. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  52. Uthman, Samad. "'A lot has gone wrong in our state' — Emeka Atuma, ex-lawmaker, joins Abia guber race". TheCable. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  53. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya. "Abia 2023: US-based accountant joins gov race, vows to modernise state". The Punch. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
  54. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya (20 April 2022). "2023: Abia ex-finance commissioner joins gov race". The Punch. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  55. "Hon. Kasarachi Enyinna Decries Weak Leadership In Abia, Joins Governorship Race". ABN TV. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  56. Nwabughiogu, Levinus. "Abia 2023: Alex Otti declares for governor". Vanguard. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  57. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya. "Otti withdraws from Abia APC gov primary". The Punch. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  58. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya. "2023: UNICAL ex pro-chancellor joins Abia Central senatorial race". The Punch. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  59. Ikokwu, Ogbonnaya. "Abia: APC chieftain urges gov aspirants to step down for preferred candidate". The Punch. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  60. Oko, Steve. "2023: APGA aspirants protest high costs of nomination forms". Vanguard. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  61. "APGA extends sale of nomination forms by four days as over 300 aspirants troop in to pick forms". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  62. "Provisional Timetable/Schedule of Activities for 2022 Primary Election". Facebook. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  63. Olokor, Friday (25 March 2022). "2023: APGA begins sale of forms Tuesday". The Punch. Abuja. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  64. "2023: Etigwe Uwa Urges Court To Declare Him Winner Of APGA Governorship Primary In Abia". ABN TV. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  65. Emeruwa, Chijindu. "Abia 2023: APGA guber candidate, Greg Ibe picks Ichita as running mate". Daily Post. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  66. Olabimtan, Bolanle. "APGA to appeal judgment sacking Greg Ibe as Abia guber candidate". TheCable. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  67. Oko, Steve. "Greg Ibe rejects appeal court judgement nullifying Abia APGA guber primary". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  68. Nwakanma, Sunday. "Appeal court affirms Ibe as Abia APGA gov candidate". The Punch. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  69. Sampson, Okey. "2023: Distortion of Abia Charter of Equity forced me out of PDP – Ibe, GUU Chancellor". The Sun. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  70. Oko, Steve. "Abia 2023: Gen Ijioma joins race for APGA governorship ticket". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  71. "Abia 2023: Chikwe Udensi Picks APGA Governorship Nomination Form". ABN TV. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  72. Nwankwo, Sunny. "2023: APC challenges PDP's dominance in Abia". The Nation. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  73. Nwakanma, Sunday. "Abia PDP zones gov position to Central and North senatorial districts". The Punch. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  74. Oko, Steve. "Abia PDP zoning: I stand by my earlier position — Sen Orji". Vanguard. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  75. Oko, Steve. "Abia PDP on fire over 'strange zoning formula'". Vanguard. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  76. Suleiman, Tajudeen. "Confusion In Abia PDP As Ikpeazu Anoints Another Guber Aspirant". The Whistler. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  77. Mbah Jnr, Mark. "Abia 2023: Storm over anointed candidate". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  78. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Ikpeazu's Kinsmen Ready for Succession Battle as Ex-ABSU VC Emerges as Ngwa Consensus Candidate". Vanguard. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  79. Angbulu, Stephen (21 April 2022). "2023: PDP extends sale of forms for fourth time". The Punch. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  80. Official PDP Nigeria [@OfficialPDPNig] (May 5, 2022). "2023 General Elections: @OfficialPDPNig updated Time Table and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 general elections. See below" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 May 2022 – via Twitter.
  81. Ukaibe, Chibuzo. "2023: PDP Fixes New Date For Gov'ship Primaries". Leadership. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  82. Martins, Baba. "2023: Crisis Looms In Abia PDP Over Delegates List". Daily Trust. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  83. Ugwu, Chinagorom. "ANALYSIS: PDP risks losing Abia as Zamfara scenario looms". Premium Times. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  84. Oko, Steve. "BREAKING: 7 aspirants withdraw from Abia PDP guber primaries". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  85. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Abaribe to Battle Ikpeazu for Abia South Senatorial Seat after Quiting PDP". ThisDay. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  86. Stanley, Iro Oliver. "Abia: Ikpeazu's Anointed Governorship Candidate Picks PDP Nomination Form". The Whistler. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  87. "PDP screens 48 aspirants for governor in S'West, S'East". The Nation. Retrieved 29 April 2022. Abia aspirants include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nnanna Nwafor; Don Lulu; Senator Emma Nwaka and former VC ABSU, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne, who is said to be Ikpeazu's anointed candidate. Others from Abia include Chima Anyaso, Ude Oko Chukwu, Lucky Igbokwe; Hon. Samson Orji; Chief Ncheta Omerekpe and Engr Nana Nwafor.
  88. "Lucky Igbokwe Declares for Abia Guber". ThisDay. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  89. Opejobi, Seun. "2023: Abaribe declares interest to contest Abia guber election". Daily Post. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  90. Oko, Steve. "Abia's ex-deputy gov's son, Nwafor joins guber race". Vanguard. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  91. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Ex-Abia PDP Chairman, Nwaka Wants to Succeed Ikpeazu in 2023". ThisDay. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  92. Nwakanma, Sunday. "Abia deputy gov declares intention to succeed Ikpeazu". The Punch. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  93. Sampson, Okey. "2023: Abaribe's ally Omerekpe declares for Abia governorship seat". The Sun. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  94. "2023: Abia PDP zoning, controversial – Orji, Guber aspirant". The Sun Nigeria. 2022-03-31. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  95. Stanley, Iro Oliver. "Ikpeazu Sacks Aide With 'Immediate Effect'". The Whistler. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  96. Edeme, Victoria. "Ikonne: Abia PDP can conduct fresh primary – INEC". The Punch. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  97. Osaji, Sharon. "Abia: Ikonne's death terminates deputy gov's candidacy —Lawyer". The Punch. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  98. Odufowokan, 'Dare. "Guber poll: Who will go for PDP in Abia?". The Nation. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  99. Ugwu, Chinagorom. "2023: PDP zones gov ticket in Abia after Ikonne's death". Premium Times. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  100. Njoku, Lawrence. "Ikonne: Ikpeazu returns to Abia zoning nightmare he didn't recognise". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  101. Ugwu, Chinagorom. "ANALYSIS: Three aspirants battle for PDP guber ticket in Abia primary rerun". Premium Times. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  102. Babalola, Ayoola. "Gov. Ikpeazu's former CoS emerges PDP guber candidate for Abia". Peoples Gazette. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  103. Ugwu-Nwogo, Emmanuel. "Intriques as Ikpeazu's Favourite, Ahiwe, Wins Abia PDP Gubernatorial Ticket". ThisDay. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  104. Olu, Tayo. "EXCLUSIVE: Ikpeazu Sacrifices Igwe For Jasper To Reconcile With Atiku's Abia PDP Faction Ahead Of Guber". The Whistler. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  105. Nwakanma, Sunday. "Abia PDP: Fresh crisis as ex-running mate challenges substitution". The Punch. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  106. "AMENDMENT 4 GOVERNORSHIP" (PDF). Independent National Electoral Commission. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  107. "PDP EXCO clears Eric Opah for Abia rerun gubernatorial primaries". Daily Post. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  108. "FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR STATE ELECTIONS - Governorship & Houses of Assembly" (PDF). Independent National Electoral Commission. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  109. Emeruwa, Chijindu. "Abia 2023: Bishop Onuoha wins ADC gubernatorial ticket". Daily Post. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  110. "2023: Orji Kalu's brother clinches APP governorship ticket in Abia". Premium Times. News Agency of Nigeria. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  111. Odunsi, Wale. "Abia 2023: LP's Alex Otti selects 38-year-oĺd Emetu as running mate". Daily Post. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  112. Obi, Okwe. "Road to 2023: Ukpai elected NNPP guber candidate for Abia". The Sun. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  113. "ABIA: Alex Otti of Labour Party has a significant early lead". ANAP Foundation. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  114. Obioha, Vanessa. "Will Alex Otti be Lucky after Third Attempt?". ThisDay. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
  115. Udeajah, Gordi. "2023 and acid test for Abia state's charter of equity". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  116. Oko, Steve. "Unease in Abia PDP over guber ticket legal tussle". Vanguard. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  117. Udeajah, Gordi. "Crisis in Abia PDP over Ikonne's absence". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  118. Ikwuje, Rosemary. "Abia PDP governorship candidate's whereabouts source of concern, says group". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  119. Agbo, Jeffrey. "Abia PDP gov candidate, Uche Ikonne, ill, says Ikpeazu". The Niche. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  120. Ukaibe, Chibuzo; Eziyi, Kalu. "Controversy Over Abia PDP Candidate's Health Status Deepens". Leadership. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  121. Sobechi, Leo. "Abia State APC, PDP troubled by division, decease". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  122. Njoku, Lawrence. "Ikpeazu, Ahaiwe and challenges of running a late governorship campaign". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  123. Nwakanma, Sunday. "Appeal court affirms Ibe as Abia APGA gov candidate". The Punch. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  124. "The EiE-SBM 2023 Election forecast: Diminished interest in state elections will make for poor outcomes". SBM Intelligence. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  125. Elimian, Adrian. "Nigerian Gubernatorial Elections: State Ratings". Africa Elects. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  126. "Schedule of Activities for 2023 General Election". ThisDay. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.