The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has vehemently rejected the recent claims of defection by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who previously announced their shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, the lawmakers’ defection has been attributed to the ongoing rift between state Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike. However, Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the APC caretaker committee in Rivers, addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, asserting that the lawmakers are not members of the APC.
“At some point, I don’t get it; the House of Assembly members have said repeatedly that they are not members of the All Progressives Congress, and I confirm to you that they are not,” Okocha stated. He emphasized that the APC was in the process of enticing the lawmakers to join their ranks, given the internal challenges they are facing within the PDP.
It is worth noting that Okocha expressed his authority on the matter, stating, “I am speaking to you in all authority that they never defected to the All Progressives Congress. There is no record. It would have been a joy for me if they had come over. They didn’t.”
Looking ahead, Okocha expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects in the 2027 elections, following the party’s recent success in the Edo State governorship election. He predicted that the APC would gain control over Rivers and Delta States, claiming, “At the fullness of time, the South-South Zone will have governors from the All Progressives Congress.”
On another contentious issue, Okocha criticized the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, calling it an affront to the judiciary. He pointed out that the APC is currently in court to challenge the elections, arguing that the political environment does not support their successful conduct.
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“The proposed local government election is another attempt to disrespect and disregard the courts and laws of the land,” Okocha asserted. He urged the state governor to acknowledge the ongoing legal proceedings and reconsider the election plans.
With tensions escalating within the political landscape of Rivers State, it bears mentioning that the defection came amid growing speculation that Governor Fubara himself may also abandon the PDP, following a drawn-out rift with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
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