The Media Team of Chief John Okiyi Kalu has accused the Abia State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amah Abraham, of orchestrating a scheme involving deceit and financial inducement to impose Kelechi Anosike as the party’s gubernatorial candidate during the controversial primary election held on May 25, 2026.

In a detailed statement released on Friday, the JOK Media Team claimed that Chief Kalu was initially assured by the state chairman that he would emerge as the consensus candidate on the directive of the Leader of the PDP in Abia State and former Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

According to the statement, on May 23, 2026, Amah Abraham reportedly informed Chief Kalu that Dr. Ikpeazu had directed him to “deliver” Kalu as the candidate, instructing him to prepare the traditional gift for the election committee from Abuja. The chairman allegedly assured that there would be no direct primary, as the process would conclude in favour of Kalu.

The statement further alleged that despite this assurance, events took a different turn. On May 24, individuals linked to Dr. Ikpeazu were said to have informed party leaders in Obingwa LGA and Abia South Senatorial Zone that the former governor had endorsed Kelechi Anosike instead. Chief Kalu’s team claimed they alerted Dr. Ikpeazu, who denied authorising such moves.

On Sunday, May 25, the state chairman reportedly summoned the 17 Local Government Area Chairmen and directed them to deliver Anosike as the candidate, offering ₦1 million to each LGA chairman and ₦2 million to members of the State Working Committee, while claiming the directive came from Dr. Ikpeazu.

The JOK Media Team maintained that they were never invited to participate in any direct primary, submit agents, or witness collation. They alleged that Amah Abraham seized the role of returning officer and announced results declaring Anosike as the winner without following due process.

**“At no time were we asked to participate in any direct primary election, submit a list of agents, or invited to witness collation,”** the statement read.

Chief Kalu, who was in Umuahia at the time, later travelled back to Abuja via Port Harcourt. In a message to Dr. Ikpeazu, he reportedly stated that he would not contest the outcome if it was genuinely directed by the former governor, but urged him to intervene if his name was being used without authorisation.

The statement emphasised that Chief Kalu has chosen not to challenge the result in court or through petitions, preferring to allow the party leadership to resolve the matter. It noted that he has distanced himself from any refund of expenses and does not wish to associate with those allegedly involved in the scheme.

The JOK Media Team, however, warned that they possess audio, video, and text evidence to support their claims and are ready to release them if their account is disputed.

They concluded that while political gifts and inducements are common during primaries, the alleged level of betrayal and manipulation undermines the integrity of the process.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Abia PDP Chairman, Amah Abraham, nor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has issued an official response to the allegations.

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.