Former Labour Party (LP) Senatorial Candidate for Ebonyi South Zone, Mr. Linus Okorie, has declared his intention to participate in the upcoming re-run election, the schedule of which is yet to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Okorie had contested the 2023 general election but faced defeat at the hands of the former governor, David Umahi, who currently holds the position of Minister of Works.
Undeterred by the previous outcome, Okorie asserted that it is now the turn of his Onicha Local Government to produce the next senator, advocating for justice, fairness, and equity in this regard.
Following the recent Appeal Court judgment, which dismissed his petition, Okorie released a statement reaffirming his readiness to protect the will of the people when the re-run election eventually takes place.
This comes after the Ebonyi South Senatorial seat was declared vacant due to the resignation of the former Senator, David Umahi, who was appointed as a minister by Bola Tinubu.
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Umahi had expressed his belief in the right to choose his successor from his Ohaozara council area.
However, Okorie’s statement also revisits the alleged use of armed thugs by the former Governor, Umahi, to intimidate, torture, and imprison him during their electoral contest.
He said, “In 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 bury the primitive push for a selfish family dynasty.
“Happily, critical lessons have been learned by all stakeholders from the February election and should be collectively applied to improve the electoral outcome this time around. By doing so, the people will ensure that the rightfully elected candidate is declared after the re-run election. My humble appeal is that we remain motivated, active, and vigilant to protect the will of the people when the re-run eventually holds.
“I have been inundated by many who want to know my next line 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,” Okorie said.
He urged the residents of Ebonyi South and his followers to maintain their composure and determination, emphasizing that he would not yield to any form of intimidation, persecution, or contrived obstacles, as long as he continues to have the unwavering support of his constituents.