The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr., has rejected the alleged substitution of his name as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election, describing the purported action as unlawful and unconstitutional.

In a press statement personally signed on Saturday, Erondu said he is not dead and remains the duly nominated APC candidate for Abia South.

Erondu, who is currently a member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Obingwa West Constituency, said the primary election conducted on May 16, 2026, across the 65 electoral wards in the six local government areas of Abia South Senatorial District returned him as the winner.

Erondu Jr. said his mandate was declared by the APC National Working Committee in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that he was issued a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the APC Abia South primary election results on June 30, 2026.

He expressed concern over reports that his name had been replaced with Paul Ikonne in violation of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Citing Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, he explained that a political party can only substitute a candidate where the candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws through a personally signed written notice addressed to the party, or where a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order affecting the nomination.

“I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature. I have never signed or submitted any notice withdrawing my candidature to the All Progressives Congress,” Erondu Jr. declared.

Erondu therefore called on the APC National Working Committee and INEC to remain guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Abia State chapter of the APC had, on July 1, 2026, declared Erondu Uchenna Erondu as the party’s candidate to challenge the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Nigerian street-pop star Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed regret over the controversial ending to his celebrity boxing rematc against actor Charles Okocha in Lagos.

The highly anticipated bout, billed as an opportunity to settle the rivalry between the two entertainers, ended prematurely after Portable walked away from the contest following a chaotic opening round.

The dramatic development left fans and spectators stunned, as the expected boxing showdown quickly descended into disorder, with tensions between the two fighters spilling beyond the normal boundaries of the contest.

In a statement issued by his management, Zeh Nation/Dr Zeh, the singer’s team apologised to the organisers, Balmoral Group, the event crew, fans, friends and family members who had turned out to support him.

The management acknowledged the disappointment caused by Portable’s decision to leave the fight after the opening round while appealing to the public to respect his decision and perspective.

“We understand the disappointment caused by the outcome of the fight and by Portable’s decision to step away after the first round,” the statement said.

The team also accepted responsibility for the disappointment generated by the incident and expressed appreciation to Portable’s supporters for their continued loyalty despite the controversy surrounding the bout.

Zeh Nation further commended Balmoral Group and everyone involved in organising the celebrity boxing event, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the unexpected conclusion.

According to the management, the reaction to the incident has been noted, with the experience expected to serve as a learning opportunity for Portable and his team.

“We have taken note of the feedback, and we are committed to learning from this experience. We promise to come back stronger and do better next time,” the statement added.

Portable’s early departure brought an abrupt end to a rematch that had attracted considerable attention from both entertainment and sports fans in Lagos.

Rather than producing the decisive conclusion many had anticipated, the contest ended in controversy, leaving Charles Okocha and the event organisers to deal with the fallout from a chaotic night inside the ring.

The singer’s management concluded by thanking fans for their continued support, understanding and belief in Portable, despite the circumstances surrounding the bout.