Two factions of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State have held parallel primaries producing two candidates for Ebonyi South by-election.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Linus Okorie, who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, emerged as candidate from the first primary election.
A 60-year-old businessman, Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, emerged from the second primary election reportedly held at an unknown location in the state.
Okorie had in the 2023 general election contested for the same senatorial seat, but lost to the former governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, who later resigned to become the Minister of Works.
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He emerged as the winner in the primaries held at Amuro/Mgbom Community Primary School field, Afikpo North Local Government, the headquarters of the senatorial district.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Ayo Olorufemi, who declared Okorie as the winner, said three aspirants participated in the primary election.
He noted that Okorie won with 40 votes, defeating Nwabueze Ogo Eze, who polled 10 votes, while Fred Okereke scored seven votes.
Mr. Nwabueze Nwachukwu, a hotel proprietor in Abakaliki, polled 50 votes out of 57 to emerge as a consensus candidate, and Linus Okorie got four votes.
The Returning Officer, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwibo, thanked the delegates for their peaceful conduct during the primaries.
In his acceptance speech, Nwabueze expressed gratitude to God for his victory, stressing that he was prepared to represent Ebonyi South if elected on February 3.