A frontline aspirant for the Abia State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 governorship primary election, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu has hailed the party as the only party in Nigeria that is now intentional in introducing a leadership model where women and youths are accommodated.

Kalu, who was speaking during a radio programme at Magic 102.9 FM, which was monitored by this site, said that in addition to having very qualified aspirants for the governorship position, the PDP in Aba has taken the lead in women and youths being given opportunities.

He said that in the past, he often heard about what PDP did and did not do, but the people who played huge roles in that era are currently with the ruling party.

Kalu said that the era when women in Abia State and Abia State women were relegated to nothing is gone, stressing that the PDP will correct the gender inequality in the Abia State House of Assembly.

“We’re the first party that has positioned women in a way that they’ll be part of leadership. We have women with high-class qualifications that we’re presenting in various positions.

“In Aba Central we have Anastasia Odochi Uchenna, a well-recognised broadcaster in this city. We also have Graceline Okoh in Ohafia North. A well-recognised human resource person.

“They’re not just women; they’re very much qualified, just like their male counterparts, if not better than them. They’re equally young.

“So, we can comfortably say that we’re giving opportunities to women and youths to be part of leadership. I’ve also seen another lady’s name in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.”

Kalu said that for a nation like Nigeria and a state like Abia that are in serious need of innovations and leaders with empathy, relegating the youths and women is tantamount to underdevelopment.

He stressed that he decided to join the race because he sees Abia State as a work in progress that needs the contributions of the best brains that know much about the foundation of the state and where to build from.

Kalu said that as commissioner that served in two ministries, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, he distinguished himself with remarkable records that can be seen in Ariaria International Market and other notable places.

The Anambra State Government has introduced a new burial law banning midweek burials and the presentation of cows, goats and other expensive items as condolence gifts.

The law, enacted by the Anambra State House of Assembly, was made public this Monday as part of efforts to regulate burial and funeral activities across the state.

According to the law, all burial ceremonies are now restricted to Saturdays, while wake-keep ceremonies and the display of banners, posters and billboards of deceased persons have also been prohibited.

The government says the new regulations are aimed at reducing extravagant spending, easing financial pressure on bereaved families and improving economic productivity in the state.

The law also provides penalties for violators, including fines and imprisonment, while monitoring committees will be established in communities to ensure compliance.

Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied taking part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat.

In a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, Okechukwu stated that he voluntarily withdrew from the race after Governor Hope Uzodimma briefed him on the party’s zoning position.

According to Okechukwu, the governor explained that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the seat rotates to another area. He noted that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously represented the constituency for three terms.

“He made the argument that it was not the turn of my Local Government Area to occupy the seat at this time,” Okechukwu wrote.

The businessman, who described himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” said his decision to step down was made in full respect for the party’s leadership and internal arrangements. He added that the party’s position was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday, before the primary took place, prompting him to stay away entirely.

“I chose not to proceed to the field, and indeed, I never did. Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue. In fact I did not participate. As I headed straight back to Lagos,” he stated.

Okechukwu’s latest position contradicts an earlier video that surfaced after the primary, in which he expressed regret over “trusting the elders in the community” and claimed that only 14 people voted for him.

He was seeking the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections but lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.

The socialite explained that his initial aspiration stemmed from concerns about the performance of the current representative. “My decision and resolve to aspire for the office was born out of my conviction that the current holder of the office was not living up to the expectations and aspirations of our people,” he said.

Okechukwu dismissed widespread social media commentary on the matter as “coordinated mischief” and “laughable” attempts to use his name for online propaganda. He firmly denied owing any financial debts to supporters, stressing that the aspiration was entirely his personal conviction.

“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration,” he declared, adding that he had “absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness” in the constituency.

His reported defeat had earlier attracted attention, including a public message of encouragement from Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, who posted on Instagram: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war.”

In his closing remarks, Okechukwu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and pledged to continue mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 through his City Boy Movement.

“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he wrote.