The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the death of Senator Annie Okonkwo.

CEOAFRICA earlier reported that the former lawmaker who represented Anambra Central senatorial district in the sixth National Assembly died on Wednesday.

Reacting to Okonkwo’s demise, Obi in a statement on his Twitter handle, recounted how the former lawmaker contributed to his presidential campaign in 2022.

The statement reads: “Late yesterday, I received with huge shock the devastating news of the death of Senator Annie Okonkwo.

“I was aware that he was sick, but I prayed and hoped for his full recovery. Distinguished Sen. Annie Okonkwo was a veteran of Nigerian politics.

“Despite not being a member of the Labour Party, he was one of the strongest pillars of support in our journey to a New Nigeria. He provided very invaluable advice and immeasurable support during our vigorous campaigns around the nation.

“He persuaded his son, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, who was in another party then, to join the Labour Party, where he contested and eventually won a seat at the Federal House of Representatives. After the elections and the subsequent declarations, which we are challenging in court today.

“Sen. Annie Okonkwo did not relent but remained steadfast in his efforts and commitment towards a New Nigeria. When I heard that he was sick, I travelled to the United States to visit and spend time with him.”