Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allies, serving as Caretaker Committee Chairmen, have switched allegiance to the Action People’s Party ahead of Rivers State’s October 5, 2024, local government elections
Speculation is mounting that the governor may defect from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP), amidst allegations that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, currently serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has commandeered control of the state PDP apparatus
Rivers State Governor Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike have been embroiled in a prolonged feud, sparking a political crisis in the state. However, during a recent meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara quashed rumors of defecting, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP.
However the governor’s loyalists, previously members of the PDP, have switched allegiance to the APP, ahead of the local government polls. Notably, most aspirants vying for chairmanship and councillorship seats are now running on the APP platform, as electioneering has commenced
A big billboard of the current CTC Chairman of Port Harcourt City Council,
Ezebunwo Ichemati, with the APP logo campaigning for a substantive chairmanship position, has been sighted while his posters adorn many parts of the metropolis.
Speaking recently, Ichemati promised to provide credible leadership if elected as substantive Chairman of Port Harcourt City.
“We will defend the interests of the party (APP) and the state if elected into office. We will also adhere to the directive to avoid engaging in negative campaigns, “ he stated.
Similarly, the CTC Chairman of Khana LGA, Marvin Yobana, and his supporters have formally announced their defection to the APP.
Speaking at an event in Khana Local Council on Monday, Yobana who did not get the blessing of the governor to contest the LG election said he had moved to the APP.
He said, “I hereby announce that I have moved to APP and I introduce to you the person that would be sworn in after the October 5, election as the executive chairman of Khana, Mr. Martins Ibibo.”
Similar campaign posters of other announced candidates adorn various parts of the state.
Speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Rivers APP Chairman, Sunny Wokekoro, said the party would commence its senatorial campaigns on Tuesday beginning with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District to hold in Bori, headquarters of Khana LGA of the state.
Describing APP as the party to beat, Wokekoro said the party had come to change the narrative in the state.
He stated, “The Action People’s Party, Rivers State branch invites you today as partners in progress in changing the ugly narrative of governance in our state.
“To intimate you of our plans to embark on our campaigns under the guidelines provided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
“As you are all aware candidates have emerged and have Successfully gone through RSIEC screening. By tomorrow, Tuesday the 24 of September our party intends to embark on Senatorial campaigns and rallies.”
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