Apc Chief Suffers Heart Attack During Afcon Match

A prominent member and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Cairo Ojougboh has reportedly fallen to his death during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) match on Wednesday.

Ojougboh, who once represented the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, had a heart attack while watching the semi-finals match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

According to a source close to the family, Ojougboh suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed during the match, particularly when South Africa scored a penalty.

Although Ojougboh's family is yet to release an official statement confirming his demise, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow over his demise alongside other political icons in the country.

The president, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, extended condolences to the bereaved family, the government, and the people of Delta State.

In a statement, Ngelale conveyed Tinubu's message: "It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, who died on Wednesday. While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed, President Tinubu comforts his family and urges them to find strength and hope in God Almighty, who presides over the affairs of men, as well as in the cherished memories and legacy of the late APC chieftain."

Furthermore, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, also expressed his condolences over Ojougboh's passing. In a post on his verified X account, Atiku described Ojougboh as a patriot and expressed deep sadness over his sudden demise.

"The sudden passing of my close friend, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, deeply saddens me. His love for our country was profound. Cairo was a shining example of patriotism; his dedication to Nigeria was unwavering, and his departure is a personal loss that leaves a void in my heart," Atiku wrote.

"As we mourn, let us remember the passion and zeal for Nigeria that defined his life. May his soul rest in perfect peace," he added.