The PDP candidate for governor of Abia, Prof. Uche Ikonne, passed away at 4 a.m. at the National Hospital Abuja, according to a formal announcement made by his family.

The deceased’s son, Dr. Uche-Ikonne Chikezie, said in a three-paragraph statement that his late father had exhibited signs of recovery after obtaining “appropriate treatment” abroad but had relapsed upon his return and eventually passed away after “several cardiac arrests.”

“He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from,” he said.

The family spokesman added that “further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family”.

After months of speculations on the whereabouts of Ikonne,  Governor Okezie Ikpeazu finally admitted during a radio programme last week that the governorship hopeful was “lately indisposed”.

But he had assured the people that the sick candidate was recovering gradually and progressively, adding that he would  “return sooner or later”.