Paragraph 1: APC’s Strategic Focus on Rivers State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set its sights on capturing Rivers State in the upcoming 2027 elections. This ambitious goal was declared by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, during the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected state executive committee in Port Harcourt. Ganduje emphasized the party’s growing influence in the South-South geopolitical zone, traditionally a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He highlighted the APC’s recent successes in reclaiming Cross River and Edo States, underscoring the party’s determination to further expand its footprint in the region. Rivers State, with its significant political and economic weight, has become the next key target in the APC’s strategic roadmap.
Paragraph 2: Grassroots Engagement and Party Unity
Ganduje’s decision to hold the inauguration ceremony in Rivers State, rather than the party’s headquarters in Abuja, signaled a shift towards greater grassroots engagement. This move, he explained, was intended to foster stronger ties between the national and state levels of the party, promoting a sense of unity and shared purpose. The chairman stressed the importance of collaboration and synergy between different levels of the party, emphasizing the need for harmony and a unified approach to achieve their political objectives. This emphasis on local engagement suggests a strategy to build support from the ground up, engaging directly with the electorate and building a strong base of support within the state.
Paragraph 3: Empowering the State Executive and Internal Democracy
Addressing the newly elected state executive committee, Ganduje outlined their key responsibilities, which included upholding internal democracy, attracting new members, and strengthening the party’s presence in their respective constituencies. He urged them to utilize their political skills and experience to bolster the party’s influence and ensure a robust and vibrant political organization. The chairman’s emphasis on internal democracy suggests a commitment to fair and transparent processes within the party, potentially aimed at attracting a wider range of members and fostering a more inclusive political environment. He also highlighted the importance of conflict resolution mechanisms, urging the new leadership to maintain peace and unity within the party’s ranks.
Paragraph 4: Strategic Roadmap for Electoral Victory
Ganduje reiterated the party’s ambition of winning Rivers State, highlighting the progress made in the South-South zone under the Buhari and Tinubu administrations. The recapture of Cross River and Edo States was presented as evidence of the party’s growing momentum, fueling confidence in their ability to secure victory in Rivers State. The national chairman’s presence at the inauguration, alongside 16 members of the National Working Committee, underscored the importance the party places on winning Rivers State. This high-level delegation signals a concerted effort to provide support and resources to the state chapter, demonstrating a commitment to investing in the state’s political landscape.
Paragraph 5: The New State Chairman’s Vision and Call for Unity
Following his inauguration, the new Rivers State APC Chairman, Tony Okocha, expressed confidence in the party’s unity and its potential to win the governorship in 2027. He asserted that the opposition was already defeated, emphasizing the party’s intent to employ all legitimate political strategies to achieve their goals. Okocha also extended an olive branch to party members involved in litigation, urging them to return to the fold and prioritize unity. This call for unity suggests a desire to consolidate the party’s strength and present a united front in the upcoming elections.
Paragraph 6: Focus on Party Supremacy and Building Momentum
Okocha underscored the importance of party supremacy, emphasizing that the national chairman’s presence and the inauguration ceremony affirmed the authority of the party structure. He stressed that the party’s decisions were paramount and urged all members to respect and abide by them. His call for unity and adherence to party principles suggests a strategy to minimize internal divisions and project an image of strength and stability. The focus on party supremacy and the emphasis on unity signal a concerted effort to build momentum and create a cohesive force capable of challenging the incumbent government in the 2027 elections. By presenting a unified front and adhering to a clear political strategy, the APC aims to position itself as a viable alternative and ultimately achieve its goal of governing Rivers State.
