By Okey Maduforo Awka

Ahead of the primary elections for the State and National Assembly primary elections of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) in Anambra state,the 163 aspirants are said to be brain storming over opting for consensus candidates .

Shortly after the list of cleared aspirants were released totalling 155, the party later cleared six more aspirants for the three legislative levels bringing the number to 163.

Currently 109 aspirants are for the state Assembly, 44 aspirants are for the Federal House of Representatives and 10 aspirants for Senate.

For the state house of Assembly primary election, it is being feared that 43 out of the 109 aspirants may step down for preferred candidates in a meeting of of all the aspirants.

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Though it is not clear about that of the Federal House of Representatives, a close source to the party said that some of the 42 aspirants have been meeting to decide who gets the tickets of the party with a provisour that the successful aspirants would only go for one term .

However that of the Senatorial primary election has no indications of aspirants agreeing on consensusas they have resolved to battle it at the primary election.

When contacted the National Publicity Secretary of the party Mazi Ejimofor Opara said that the party is not aware of such moves adding that non of the aspirants have informed the party about consensus.

Opara however said that consensus is part of the provisions of the Electoral Act adding that the party welcomes such moves if it is possible for the aspirants to meet and agree.

“We to the best of the knowledge of our great party , there is no such information with us but there is nothing wrong in consensus because it is enshrined in the Electoral Act”

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“If that is made possible the party needs to be informed early enough for us to be abresed with what the aspirants and doing” he said .

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, citing the need for peace, unity, and collective interest over personal ambition.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, personally signed on Wednesday night, Fubara said the decision followed deep reflection and consultations with family, friends, and associates.

He confirmed that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and prioritisation of the greater good.

“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,” he said.

The governor described his withdrawal as a painful but necessary step, noting that Rivers State must remain above individual ambitions.

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“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,” he added.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices throughout his political journey, acknowledging the disappointment the decision may cause.

“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,” he stated.

He further explained that his silence in recent times was intentional and guided by what he described as the higher interest of the state.

“My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people,” he said.

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Using a local proverb, the governor hinted at pressures behind the scenes without giving details.

“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,” he noted.

Fubara also thanked the All Progressives Congress for the platform provided and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.

“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,” he added.

He insisted that his withdrawal was not an act of weakness or surrender but a deliberate sacrifice for the stability of the state.

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“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming Rivers 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,” he said.

Traditional rulers in Enugu East Local Government Area have endorsed the second-term aspirations of the Governor of Peter Mbah and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, citing their developmental achievements and leadership records.
The endorsement came on Tuesday under the platform of the Enugu East Local Government Traditional Rulers Council during a courtesy visit to the council chairman at the Local Government Headquarters, Nkwo Nike, following the council’s meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Chairman of the Enugu East Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, Emmanuel Ugwu, said Governor Mbah had transformed the state through impactful infrastructure and development initiatives, which he said had positioned Enugu among the leading states in the country.
According to him, notable achievements of the governor’s administration include the Smart School projects, completion of abandoned projects, the dualisation of the Nike-Ugwogo-Opi-Nsukka road, and the construction of Type-2 hospitals across wards in the state.
The traditional rulers also commended Anike’s administration, describing his emergence as council chairman as “the coming of a new moon that has become a shining light” for Enugu East.
Ugwu noted that within one year and eight months in office, Anike had brought peace, harmony, and development to the local government area.
He said the chairman’s impact had been felt across the 12 electoral wards and 22 communities in the council area.
The royal father, accompanied by other traditional rulers including Julius Nnaji, Titus Okolo, Edwin Udoku Edoga and Felix Ugwu, also praised the cordial relationship between Anike, his Vice Chairman Engr. Kingsley Obi-Anike, and the Local Government Secretary, Barr. Obinna Mbeke.
He further noted that the chairman had maintained an inclusive style of governance through balanced appointments across the local government.
Among the projects and programmes attributed to the council chairman were the sponsorship of over 100 youths for aviation training, scholarship awards to hundreds of students, payment of monthly stipends to veteran politicians and elderly persons, as well as other developmental interventions.
Explaining the rationale behind the endorsement, Ugwu said the decision was based on performance and the need for continuity.
“We are not endorsing Engr. Beloved-Dan Anike because of his name or appearance. We are endorsing him because in his first tenure he gave us peace. We need peace in Nike land and we want development to continue,” he said.
In his remarks, Igwe Julius Nnaji supported the position of his colleague, stating that the chairman had earned the endorsement through his developmental strides and the peaceful atmosphere witnessed under his administration.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Ofor” — a traditional symbol of authority — to the council chairman as a mark of endorsement and confidence.
Responding, Beloved-Dan Anike expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for the honour, attributing much of his leadership inspiration to Governor Mbah.
He said he considered himself fortunate to be serving under Mbah’s administration, noting that the governor had already laid a clear development template for leaders in the state.
He pledged not to disappoint the people of Nike or the state government, assuring that the confidence reposed in him would translate into greater dividends for the people.