Just In: Prof Ani Declared Winner of Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-election

Professor Anthony Okorie Ani of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-Election has been declared Winner of the Election.

Announcing the result at the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC office in Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area, the Presiding Officer, Mr. Eze Uchechukwu said that Professor Ani polled a total of 46,270 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sir Ifeanyi Eleje of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA who scored a total of 3,513 votes.

Mr. Uchechukwu announced that the Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Silas Onu scored a total of 2,783 while that of the Labour Party, LP, Hon Linus Abaa Okorie scored a total of 2,710 votes.

The Returning Officer further announced that the only female candidate in the by-election, Mrs. Njoku Stella of the African Democratic Congress ADC scored a total of 227 votes.

He said, “I, Eze Uchechukwu being the Returning Officer of the Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-election held on the 3rd of February 2024 hereby declare that Okorie Ani of the All Progressives Congress APC having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner of the election and returned elected”

The election according to observers witnessed voter apathy in the 5 local government areas of Afikpo, Edda, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha and attributed it to lack of interest in the outcome of elections in the Nigeria electoral process.

One of the observers, Mr. Ifeanyi Mba noted that less than 10% of the registered voters in the 5 local government areas of the State turned out to exercise their franchise adding that Nigerians are gradually Losing interest in the country’s electoral process.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru has congratulated Prof. Okorie Ani on his victory in the just concluded Senatorial bye election in Ebonyi South Zone.

Governor Nwifuru described the victory of Prof Ani as a testament of the people’s implicit confidence in the candidate and the All progressives Congress, APC.

“The people have once again made a loud statement through the ballot. The reason for the overwhelming victory of the APC candidate in the bye election is not far fetched , it is predicated on the modest achievements of our government on the platform of All Progressives Congress.

“Just like I said during our campaign, we were confident of victory because we chose a candidate with the pedigree and all it takes to win the election ‘

I wish to use this medium to appreciate the leadership of APC, our supporters and indeed the entire people of Ebonyi South zone for their massive support to our candidates.

“To the the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as well as security agencies I give you kudos for your firmness and unbiase which led to the smooth conduct of the election ‘.

The Governor expressed confidence that the Senator elect when sworn- in will make the State and the Nation proud.