As the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State approach, significant political realignments are occurring, particularly among local council leaders. Several Caretaker Committee Chairmen, who are known supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have switched allegiance from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP). This shift comes amid ongoing speculation that Governor Fubara might abandon the PDP altogether due to alleged political machinations by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The tension between Fubara and Wike has resulted in a deepening political crisis within the state, highlighting the fractures within the governing party.
Despite these defections and the swirling rumors, Governor Fubara recently reiterated his commitment to the PDP during a meeting with the party’s Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, insisting that he has no intentions of leaving the party. However, the dynamics in Rivers State suggest otherwise, as numerous council chairmen, who had once been firm supporters of the PDP, are now rallying behind the APP. These developments illustrate a significant shift in allegiances, which could have profound implications for the upcoming local government elections and the balance of power within the region.
Campaign activities accelerating under the APP banner signal its growing influence as candidates gear up for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the forthcoming elections. Various local leaders have begun promoting their candidacies, with notable visibility on campaign billboards and posters throughout the state. For instance, Port Harcourt City Council’s current CTC Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, has publicly aligned himself with the APP, pledging to provide responsible leadership if elected as the substantive Chairman. His commitment to avoiding negative campaigning reflects a broader strategy of creating a positive narrative around the party and its aims for governance in Rivers State.
The tide of change is notable in Khana Local Government Area, where the CTC Chairman, Marvin Yobana, has formally announced his shift to the APP, declaring that he intends to introduce a successor, Mr. Martins Ibibo, purportedly the next executive chairman of Khana. Yobana’s transition underscores the internal strife within the PDP and the growing appeal of the APP as a viable alternative for political office seekers. The party’s increasing visibility through widespread campaign materials indicates a concerted effort to consolidate support ahead of the local elections.
Moreover, the APP’s leadership is keen to position the party as a transformative political force within Rivers State. Sunny Wokekoro, the chairman of Rivers APP, has proclaimed the party as “the party to beat,” signaling a bold ambition to reshape the state’s governance narrative. With the commencement of its senatorial campaigns focused on the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, the APP aims to rally public support and showcase its candidates, who have successfully completed the necessary screening processes established by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. Such proactive engagement reflects the party’s strategic approach to mobilizing resources and supporters effectively.
In summary, the political landscape in Rivers State is rapidly evolving as the APP gains traction amid a series of defections from the PDP. The friction between current political leaders, particularly Governor Fubara and his predecessor, has contributed to a crisis that is fostering new political affiliations. With mounting campaign activities and a growing sense of discontent with the established party structure, the APP is leveraging these sentiments to project a vision of positive change and responsiveness to the electorate’s needs as the upcoming elections draw near.
