Gregory Ibe, the governorship standard bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Abia State for the forthcoming 2023 general election, has picked the member representing Aba South Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita, as his running mate for the forthcoming general election in the state.
The candidate unveiled his running mate to the media and party members on Saturday in Umuahia, the state capital.
Ichita is the APGA leader in Abia State and the only lawmaker elected on the platform of the party in the State House of Assembly.
Prof. Ibe, while unveiling his running mate in a statement, said the choice of Ichita followed extensive, rigorous and painstaking screening conducted by the party among many aspirants.
He said the screening produced three eminently qualified Abia State indigenes, from whom Ichita emerged.
He hinted that the party adhered strictly to the existing guidelines, protocols, due process and ground rules, which among many criteria provide for specific functions and contributions by different organs of the party at State Working Committee and National Working Committee levels in collaboration and consultation with the candidate, in arriving at the decision.
According to the APGA gubernatorial candidate, some of the considerations which influenced the emergence of Ichita included his membership of APGA even during turbulent periods, sterling performance as leader of the party in the House of Assembly, equalising senatorial zone of origin and public acceptability and grassroots support.
The statement said: “It is believed that he will bring his vast legislative experience to bear on the ticket while fusing with Prof Ibe’s robust background in business, academia and international diplomacy to reposition Abia.”