Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Rivers State to attend the burial of the late mother of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku is among prominent political figures expected at the funeral ceremony in Ubima, Amaechi’s hometown in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, died at the age of 89.
Funeral Holds In Ubima
The funeral Mass is scheduled to take place at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ubima, with the interment expected to follow at the Amaechi family residence.
Amaechi, who is Atiku’s running mate on the ADC presidential ticket, is expected to receive political associates, friends, family members and other dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Atiku’s presence also gives the funeral a political dimension, coming as the 2027 presidential campaign begins to take shape.
Tension Over Access To Ubima
Atiku’s arrival comes amid controversy over road access to the community.
The Rivers State chapter of the ADC alleged that a section of the Omagwa road leading to Ubima had been blocked by police as mourners and dignitaries made their way to the burial.
ADC spokesman Chizi Enyi claimed that the road blockade was connected to a political reception reportedly organised in honour of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Omagwa.
The allegation has not been independently established as evidence that the road was deliberately blocked to disrupt Amaechi’s mother’s burial.
Political Tension In Rivers
The controversy has attracted attention because of the long-running political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi.
Both men previously served as governors of Rivers State and have remained on opposing sides of the state’s political divide.
The reported proximity of the Wike-linked event and Amaechi’s mother’s funeral has therefore generated additional political tension.
The ADC has alleged that the development could affect movement into Ubima, while the burial itself remains scheduled to proceed.