The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Abia State election, Eric Opah, has expressed deep sorrow over the brutal killing of Miss Wendy Achumba, a 21-year-old nursing student from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

Achumba, a student of Our Lady of Mercy Nursing School in Obowo, Imo State, was allegedly raped and murdered in her off-campus residence at Umuadara Umulogho, Obowo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Eric Ikwuagwu, Opah described the incident as “painful, heartbreaking, and unfortunate,” noting that the young student’s death represents a tragedy not only for her family but for the entire society.

“I deeply feel the pain and grief of Wendy’s parents,” Opah said, while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.

He commended the Nigeria Police Force for the swift arrest of two suspects, Onyema Okonkwo and Emmanuel Onyekachi, who reportedly confessed to the crime in a viral video. Opah urged security agencies to ensure that justice is served without delay and to thoroughly investigate the incident to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

The APC candidate also called on students and residents in the area to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.

Opah prayed for the repose of Wendy Achumba’s soul and asked God to grant her eternal rest.

The Imo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of the two suspects over the alleged rape and murder.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Umuadara Umulogho, Patrick Uwalaka, and members of the host community have publicly condemned the killing and distanced themselves from the perpetrators.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that certain individuals attempted to sow discord between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just three months after the administration took office, by falsely accusing him of plotting to kill the President and seize power.

Shettima made the revelation on Tuesday while speaking at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, titled *My Life of Duty and Allegiance*.

According to the Vice President, the unnamed individuals, said to be from Borno State, approached President Tinubu with the damaging claims.

“Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.

He recounted that President Tinubu confronted him with the allegation but ultimately dismissed it.

“The President had called me and said, ‘Sit down! Your people came to me and said stop wearing those Shettima’s clothes.’ But the president said their story did not add up. He said when you gave me those clothes, I was an aspirant. I would not have been the candidate, neither were you going to be Vice Presidential candidate,” Shettima quoted Tinubu as saying.

The Vice President added that the accusers later claimed the clothes Shettima had gifted Tinubu were meant to be used for ritualistic purposes to eliminate him. However, President Tinubu continued to wear the clothes, demonstrating he is “not fetish,” Shettima noted.

In his remarks, Shettima urged Nigerians to embrace unity and act as their brother’s keeper rather than promoters of division.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the results of its primaries for the eight federal constituencies in Abia State, as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.

Chairman of the Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Barrister Erasmus Cishak, announced the results on Saturday night at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

According to Barrister Cishak, the primaries were successfully conducted across all federal constituencies, with party members actively participating in the selection of candidates to represent the APC in the upcoming polls.

The successful candidates are as follows:

– Bende Federal Constituency: Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emerged unopposed.
– Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency: Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, was returned unopposed.
– Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency: Hon. Chris Nkwonta emerged as the candidate.
– Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency: Hon. Uzor Azubuike secured the ticket.
– Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency: Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinedum Orji, won the primary.
– Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency: Hon. Uzoma Theodore Uka clinched the nomination.
– Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency: Hon. Udo Alozie emerged victorious.
– Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency: Hon. Ikenna Nicholas was selected as the APC candidate.

Barrister Cishak commended party members and stakeholders for their orderly conduct during the exercise. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the primary process.