In an announcement made today, Linus Okorie, the Labour Party Senatorial candidate for the Ebonyi South zone in the upcoming National Assembly re-run elections, has expressed his unwavering determination to participate in the electoral contest. He emphasized that the decision to re-contest for the position ultimately lies with the people of the zone.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Okorie stressed the importance of justice, fairness, and equity, asserting that it is the turn of the Onicha Local Government Area of the state to produce the next senator. This comes as a response to the recent Appeal Court judgment, which struck out his petition and declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and Minister of Works, David Umahi, as the winner of the February 25 elections.
The position became vacant following the resignation and appointment of the former Senator, Umahi, as a minister by President Bola Tinubu. This development has sparked controversy, as Umahi has asserted his right to choose his replacement from his Ohaozara council area.
Okorie commented on the situation, stating, “Within the next 90 days, INEC shall conduct a fresh election in Ebonyi South, and the decision as to who becomes the Senator shall be yours. The forthcoming election represents our collective victory and an opportunity to permanently end the pursuit of a selfish family dynasty.”
He also highlighted the need for lessons learned from the February election to be applied to improve the electoral outcome in the re-run. Okorie urged the people to remain motivated, active, and vigilant in safeguarding the will of the people when the re-run eventually takes place.
Addressing the question of his participation in the upcoming re-run election, Okorie made it clear that the decision rests with the people. He stated, “I have been inundated by many who want to know my next course of action, whether or not I will participate in the forthcoming re-run. My answer remains the same: being a product of the people’s will, it is the people that will determine my next move. I have commenced appropriate consultations, the outcome of which will determine my eventual decision and shall also be made public.”
Stay tuned for further developments as the people of Ebonyi South eagerly anticipate the upcoming re-run election.