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His statement 

“This is to formally announce to my supporters, party members, and the general public that, after wide consultations with family members, friends, and stakeholders, I have voluntarily withdrawn my aspiration to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

Though difficult, this decision is premised on two major reasons:

1. Considering that my brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (MON), has already clinched the senatorial ticket of the party, I believe this decision will allow other aspirants the opportunity to exercise their right to contest for the office of Governor.

2. After wide and due consultations with stakeholders, we concluded that, in the interest of fairness and equity, Abia Central should be allowed to complete its eight years of power rotation, which it has already commenced.

I extend my special appreciation to my wife and children, who have stood by me throughout these months since my declaration.

I also deeply appreciate my lovely mother, who has always stood solidly with me, as well as my brothers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu.

Special thanks also go to my staff and members of my campaign organisation, particularly Reverend Chuks Alozie, Samuel Nwachukwu, and Ifeanyi Adijeh, for their unalloyed support and dedication throughout this journey.

CLEMENT IDOKO writes on the issues following the Federal Government’s directive for public examinations to migrate fully to Computer-Based Examinations, and the readiness of the National Examinations Council (NECO), the nation’s foremost indigenous examination body, for the 2027 deadline.  When the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) and […]

The post Experts weigh in as NECO remains upbeat on transition to CBT exams  appeared first on Tribune Online.

Tonye Cole, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers, has withdrawn from the party’s primary election in the state ahead of Thursday’s exercise.

Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday.

His withdrawal came just as Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, also pulled out of the race.

Cole said the decision followed consultations with members of his political team, supporters, and stakeholders within the APC in Rivers state.

The former governorship candidate said he decided to step down in the interest of party unity and reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, the national leadership of the APC recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting where discussions were held on the future of the party in Rivers state.

Cole said he remained committed to dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among various factions within the APC in Rivers.

“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” he said.

“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries

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Governor Sim Fubara has withdrawn from the APC gubernatorial primaries 

He issued this personally signed statement on his withdrawal 

GOVERNMENT OF RIVERS STATE 

 PRESS STATEMENT 

MY DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM THE RIVERS  STATE  GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES 

Fellow Rivers People,

After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my 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.

Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. 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.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

Governor, Rivers State

May 20, 2026 .

STAKEHOLDERS at the 2026 World Family Doctors’ Day celebration have cautioned against allowing artificial intelligence and digital healthcare tools to replace empathy, bedside skills, and human connection in patient care. The experts, who spoke at the event themed “Compassionate Care in a Digital World,” also called for improved support for healthcare workers, better rural healthcare […]

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A governorship aspirant in Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Samuel Ajose, has announced his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race in favor of the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat after discussions with the party leadership.

Ajose, widely recognized as SMA Gold, made this announcement during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, stating that he stepped aside in accordance with the wishes of APC leaders prior to the party’s primary election.

The politician from Badagry, who had previously maintained his intention to continue in the race, indicated that the APC leadership had clearly communicated that the party had opted for a different direction regarding the Lagos governorship contest.

He explained that his decision to withdraw was influenced by his respect for the party’s constitution, leadership, and internal processes.

“The race has been quite engaging and it reached an emotional conclusion yesterday for the phase of SMA concerning the 2027 election.

“It is essential to take time to re-plan and re-strategize, and when the party leadership indicates a preferred direction, one cannot act independently if one wishes to remain within the party,” he added.

Ajose characterized the decision as difficult yet essential for fostering peace and unity within the APC in anticipation of the 2027 general election.

“We all uphold the party’s constitution. The constitution is paramount, and if the party’s current stance is that this is the direction they wish to pursue, for the sake of peace and to enable us to promptly begin planning for the 2027 general election, I believe it is prudent to make that choice,” he added.

When questioned if his withdrawal stemmed from a belief that he would lose the primary election to Hamzat, Ajose clarified that he was never intimidated by any opponent but opted to honor the views of party elders.

He said, “What I can share is that all members of the party’s leadership convened with me, and when your elders are speaking, it is imperative to listen.

“The party expressed their desires, and if you intend to operate within the framework, principles, and constitution of the party, it is essential to heed their guidance to avoid potential issues,” he stated.

Ajose further disclosed that the conversations with party leaders primarily focused on the advancement of Badagry, noting that commitments were made that would be advantageous for the region.

“During our meeting, our discussions revolved entirely around Badagry, and for the first time, Badagry was able to participate in negotiations concerning Lagos State, resulting in some significant benefits for the area,” he remarked.

He expressed confidence that Hamzat would honor the commitments made during the discussions.

Hamzat is widely acknowledged as the favored candidate of the APC leadership in Lagos, having received the support of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, GAC.

Hamzat was elected as deputy governor alongside Sanwo-Olu in 2019, and both were re-elected in 2023 for a second term.

Prior to his role as deputy governor, the 61-year-old held the position of commissioner during the tenures of former Lagos governors Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola.

Lagos APC primary: Why I stepped down for Hamzat – Ajose

The deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, has stated that universities are now evaluated more on the relevance and impact of their research than on student enrollment numbers or the appearance of their physical campuses. He made the remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode  Adebowale, at […]

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Senior Special Assistant to the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman on Local Government Affairs, Norbert Sochukwudinma, has lashed out at Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, over his outburst after losing the party’s return ticket.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Wednesday, Sochukwudinma said Nwoko stayed away from the party but expected victory.

Recall that Nwoko lost the primary election to the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Meanwhile, Nwoko had alleged that the results of the APC primaries in the region were manipulated by the State Government, claiming that he was the rightful winner of the primary election.

Responding, Sochukwudinma said, “Nwoko stayed away from the party and expected victory.

“Anyone seeking to win an election must engage with party structures, yet he never consulted the nine local government party chairmen or leaders.

“Only card-carrying APC members are eligible to vote, and party politics is not show business.

“From the available evidence, Senator Ned Nwoko was clearly defeated, and some of the results circulated online were fabricated and not official.

“In fact, I was surprised he even secured over 2,000 votes.”

‘Ned Nwoko stayed away from party but expected victory’ – APC National chair’s aide

Rivers-born environmental and human rights activists, Ann Kio Briggs, has warned President Bola Tinubu over the kind of politics being played in the state.

She warned that what is happening in the state might not be for the best interest of the President.

Recall that Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, announced on Wednesday that he will no longer be contesting the primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state 

According to him, although the decision was difficult, he remained committed to supporting whoever emerges as the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.

Before that, another aspirant on the party’s platform, Tonye Cole, had taken a similar decision.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, the activist sounded out a warning to Tinubu, saying that the President has allowed his minister, Nyesom Wike, to act as the ruler or the emperor of Rivers State. 

She said, “Rivers people have decided who they will vote for and whom they have supported. What is going on right now in Rivers State, not only is it not going to be in the best interest of Rivers State, it will at the end of the day not be in the best interest of APC or the president of Nigeria himself.”

“If we seem to be confused, we are not the people setting the confusion. The confusion is being set by the APC. The confusion is being set by the level of interference that the president has allowed to go on in Rivers State,” Ann Kio Briggs added.

Rivers crisis: ‘What has happened won’t be in your interest’ – Ann Kio Briggs to Tinubu