The All Progressives Grand Alliance has retained the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency seat following the victory of its candidate, Ifeoma Azikiwe, in Saturday’s by-election.
The Returning Officer for the poll, Prof. Ibiam Ekpe, announced the outcome at the collation centre in Onitsha on Sunday morning.
He said Azikiwe secured 7,774 votes to defeat Justice Azuka of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who scored 1,909 votes. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ezennia Ojekwe, polled 1,371 votes, while Njideka Ndiwe of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) recorded 655 votes.
“Having met all the constitutional requirements and scored the highest number of votes, I hereby declare Ifeoma Azikiwe of APGA elected as the member representing Onitsha North 1 State Constituency,” Prof. Ekpe declared.
He commended the candidates for their peaceful conduct, describing the turnout of voters as impressive.
In her victory speech, Azikiwe thanked constituents for their support, promising to honour the memory of the late lawmaker, Justice Azuka, whose death created the vacancy.
“This mandate is a call to serve. I will work tirelessly to improve the welfare of our people and justify the confidence reposed in me,” she said.