By Peter Okutu
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries election for the state House of Assembly took an extra ordinary dimension as candidates speculated to carry the day failed woefully to the disbelief of those in the machinery of government.

This followed the bolt from the blue as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barr. Augustine Nwankwegu contesting to represent Izzi West constituency was defeated by his opponent and Chief Whip Barr. Uchenna Orji also lost to a woman, Barr. Lilian Igwe.

The primaries which shifted to Abakaliki Township Stadium when it could not be concluded the previous day as a result of late arrival of materials, however witnessed some scuffle  as the Vice Chairman of Ebonyi local government was manhandled by security agents.

From some of the results made available to our correspondent, all the floor functionaries of the State House of Assembly were not able to win their primaries even as their opponents defeated them in a landslide victory.

In a chat with newsmen on Tuesday, the Chairman, Ebonyi State Electoral Panel, Prof. Kabiru Mato described the primaries as transparent, fair and credible. He advised those who lost to see it as game where there should be a winner and a loser, adding that there is another day for any contest as nobody has any reason to complain.

The House which lost all its principal officers had only six members returned out of 24 even when those who lost were protesting that there were manipulations and omission of aspirants’ names in the ballot papers resulting in mass protest by the aspirants.

Accessing the progress of the election, the PDP chairman in the state, Mr. Dave Umahi noted that the surprises witnessed during the election were clear indication that the electorate were the ones who decide who will govern them. He called on those who did not win not to engage themselves in violence or any act capable of destroying the peace and stability in the state.

The Chief Whip of Ebonyi House of Assembly Barr. Uchenna Orji who spoke with Vanguard lamented that there was manipulation to return his opponent and assured that he would protest to the party later.