#NigeriaDecides2019 | PDP’s Abaribe coasting to victory in Abia South

Former Deputy Governor of Abia State and the Senator representing Abia South, Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe is cruising to a fourth term in the chamber going by results already declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aba, the senatorial headquarters.

The Senator, according to the figures is leading his closest rivals, Chief Chris Nkwota of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) with over 28,000 votes.

While declaring the results, INEC’s returning officer for the senatorial district, Prof Ike Nwachukwu, however, said that a rerun election would be done in some 38 polling units in Aba North and Aba South local governments where voting was disrupted on Saturday.

The three-time lawmaker who is currently the Chairman Senate Committee on Power won in four of the six local government areas that make up Abia South Senatorial District of Abia State.

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Abaribe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already leading with unassailable votes of 51,432 while his closest rival, Chief Chris Nkwota of APGA scored 23, 330 to come a distant second. Chief Mark Wabara of the APC scored 5,785 to come third.

It is practically impossible for the result to be upturned in the units with less than twenty thousand voters with permanent voters card.

Only about 15,000 votes are being expected in the Aba North and Aba South but only a few polling units are affected said the returning officer.

The situation leaves Abaribe with an insurmountable lead going into the Saturday rerun.

A statement by Abaribe’s Media Manager, Uche Awom, which quoted the Senator as speaking after the results were announced indicated that Senator Abaribe thanked the people of Abia South for the support and confidence reposed in him.

“Your voting overwhelmingly for me is a clear testament that our modest efforts in the National Assembly is being recognised and assure you that I will double my effort to give our people quality and vibrant representation in the Senate,” he said.