Rivers state governor, Similayi Fubara has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship primaries scheduled on Thursday, May 21.

Fubara said after a deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends, and associates, “I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party”.

He said leadership is ultimately about sacrifice, adding that there comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

“I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

“The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term”.

…Mbah, Otti, Anyim, Wabara, others mourn

The family of Mrs. Monica Okwunerigo Okah, mother-in-law of former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has announced funeral ceremonies for their late matriarch, with her burial scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.
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‎This was made known in an obituary issued on Wednesday by Engr. Isaac Okah, on behalf of the late Chief John Nnolum Okah family.
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‎According to the family, Mrs. Okah’s final journey begins on Monday May 25, 2026 with service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu at 5pm.
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‎A requiem mass and wake keep will be held in her honour at her country home, Enugu-Agu Achi in Oji River LGA at 5pm.
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‎The funeral mass will hold on Thursday, May 28, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Agu Achi. This will be followed with condolence visits and celebration of her life.
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‎There will be an outing and thanksgiving Service in her honour at the same church on Sunday, May 31.
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‎According to the obituary, Mrs. Okah, who died on March 20, 2026, was a devout Christian, bridge builder, mentor, and community leader as well as a charitable, and hardworking woman.
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‎She raised nine children, among them Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS.
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‎Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in ahead of the funeral ceremonies.
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‎Leading the tributes is Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who described Mrs. Okah’s life as one marked by selfless service to God and mankind.
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‎“She not only lived to a ripe age of 95, but equally made indelible marks on the sands of time as a community leader, peace builder, generous giver and indeed a woman of immeasurable impacts. She bequeathed laudable legacies that will always keep her memories fresh in our hearts,” Mbah asserted.
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‎Also, eulogising the late nonagenarian, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State described her as a fervent Christian and respected community leader.

“She made sure people around her felt loved and accepted, and was admired for her deep wisdom and guidance. She will be remembered for her inspirational leadership and commitment to uplifting people around her,” he added.

On his part, former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara, saluted what he described as her exemplary life of service.
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‎“Mrs.Okah lived a life worthy of honour and resemblance, touching many with her kindness, strength, and motherly presence,” Wabara stated.
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‎Also, in his tribute, former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, reflected on Mrs. Okah’s resilience and life of service.
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‎Senator Anyim noted, “Mama’s long life is a testament to God’s grace and a legacy of resilience, love, and commitment to family and community. She lived to a ripe old age, witnessed generations grow, and fulfilled purpose on earth.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has concluded its Senatorial Primaries and announced the results across the three senatorial districts, with successful candidates receiving Certificates of Return amid calls for unity and party cohesion ahead of future elections.

The announcement ceremony, which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, brought together senatorial aspirants, members of the Senate Primary Committee, the Enugu State APC Working Committee, House of Representatives aspirants, state lawmakers, local government council chairmen, party stakeholders, and other dignitaries from across the state.

Addressing attendees at the event, Enugu State APC Chairman, Martin Chukwunweike, described the gathering as the formal conclusion of the senatorial primary process that commenced the previous day.

He said the Senate Primaries Committee had undertaken a detailed collation process to ensure transparency, credibility, and fairness.

He commended the committee for what he termed a professionally conducted exercise and expressed appreciation to Peter Mbah for providing what he described as an enabling atmosphere for a peaceful and successful primary election process.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Senate Primary Committee, Funkekeme Solomon, praised Governor Mbah for his leadership style and described the conduct of party members throughout the process as disciplined and mature.

According to the committee chairman, results collated across wards and local government areas produced winners in the three senatorial districts.

For Enugu West Senatorial Zone, sole contestant Osita Ngwu secured 70,015 votes and emerged winner.

In Enugu East Senatorial Zone, with a total of 161,334 votes cast, Kelvin Chukwu polled 111,743 votes to defeat Hon. Nnaji Shalom Nwakegwu, who scored 482 votes.

For Enugu North Senatorial Zone, where 152,886 votes were recorded, Ikeje Asogwa emerged victorious with 125,089 votes, defeating Hon. Eze Chinazo F., Hon. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi, and Hon. Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi.

Following the announcement, the successful candidates were officially presented with Certificates of Return amid celebrations by party members and supporters.

Speaking on behalf of the victorious candidates, Senator Osita Ngwu expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah and party leadership for ensuring a peaceful and seamless exercise.

He also thanked party executives and grassroots leaders across the state for their support and pledged continued commitment to the party’s ideals.

In his vote of thanks, APC State Publicity Secretary, Chief Hon. Uche Obute, commended Governor Mbah and members of the state working committee for their efforts toward sustaining peace, fairness, and unity within the party.

The event ended with renewed calls for sportsmanship and unity, as party leaders urged unsuccessful aspirants to support the party’s candidates and collective vision ahead of future electoral contests.