Rita Odafe
Governor Siminalayi Fubara
A significant number of Caretaker Committee Chairmen aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have switched their allegiance to the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the lead-up to the local elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
There has been ongoing speculation surrounding the governor potentially leaving the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially since it’s been claimed that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, largely controls the party’s organization.
This conflict between Fubara and Wike has intensified, creating a notable political crisis within the state.
Despite these issues, Governor Fubara recently met with the PDP’s Board of Trustees, headed by Senator Adolphus Wabara, and he firmly stated that he has no plans to leave the party, reinforcing his dedication to the PDP.
Nevertheless, the recent defections of council chairmen and their supporters highlight a deepening division.
It is worth noting that almost all candidates vying for positions in the upcoming local elections are now affiliated with the APP, and campaign initiatives are already in progress.
A well-placed billboard featuring the Port Harcourt City Council’s CTC Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, showcasing the APP logo, has been seen across the city.
Ichemati has recently committed to providing reliable leadership if elected, stating, “We will uphold the interests of the APP and the state upon taking office. We will also commit to positive campaigning.”
Additionally, Marvin Yobana, the CTC Chairman from Khana Local Government Area, announced his switch to the APP at an event in Khana on Monday.
Yobana, who did not receive support from the governor for his candidacy, proclaimed, “I now declare that I have joined the APP and present to you the individual who will be sworn in after the October 5 election as the executive chairman of Khana, Mr. Martins Ibibo.”
Campaign materials for other candidates are rapidly spreading throughout the state, indicating a vigorous campaign push by the APP.
In another development, Rivers APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro revealed that the party will launch its senatorial campaigns on Tuesday, beginning in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, located in Bori, which is the headquarters of Khana LGA.
Praising the APP as a formidable contender, Wokekoro stated that the party aims to transform the state’s political landscape.
He commented, “The Action Peoples Party, Rivers State chapter, invites you as partners in the effort to improve governance in our state.
“We want to inform you about our plans for campaigning in accordance with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s guidelines.
“As you know, candidates have been selected and have successfully passed the RSIEC screening. By tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, our party intends to commence our senatorial campaigns and rallies.”
