Silas Onu Emerges Winner of PDP Primary Bye-Election for Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone

Former PDP Chairman of Ebonyi State, Silas Onu, has clinched victory in the party’s primary bye-election, paving the way for the forthcoming Ebonyi South Senatorial zone election on Feb. 3.

The election, which took place at the zonal party secretariat in Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area, aimed to fill the seat vacated by Dave Umahi, the former Senate Majority Leader, who assumed the role of Minister of Works in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Onu secured a total of 143 votes, outshining his sole opponent, Sen. Amah Nnachi, who did not receive any votes in the election.

Lekan Rotimi, the head of the PDP Primary Bye-Election Committee, declared the election as credible, free, and fair, emphasizing its compliance with the party’s guidelines and electoral laws.

“Chief Silas Onu, having complied with the relevant electoral laws and the PDP primary election guidelines, and having secured the majority of lawful votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected as the PDP candidate for the Ebonyi South Senatorial district,” said Rotimi.

Of the 144 delegates accredited to vote, only one vote was deemed invalid.

The election was closely monitored by various security agencies, including the Department of State Security (DSS), Police, Civil Defence, and army, as well as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Rotimi dismissed claims of parallel primary elections in any part of the zone, asserting that his committee was the sole panel authorized by the national party secretariat to conduct the election.

“I’m not aware of any other congress going on anywhere. Like I said, I have told you my name and my committee members, and we are the only people sent to conduct the election from Abuja,” he affirmed.