In a major political shift ahead of Rivers State’s local government elections set for October 5, 2024, several Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Action Peoples Party (APP).
This move comes amid growing rumors of Governor Fubara’s potential exit from the PDP, fueled by speculation that the party’s control in the state has shifted to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tensions between Fubara and Wike have created a political rift in the state. However, despite the growing unease, Governor Fubara recently hosted the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, and publicly reassured his loyalty to the party, denying any plans to leave.
The defection of key local leaders, including council chairmen, suggests deeper divisions. Almost all candidates running for chairmanship and councillor positions in the upcoming elections are now representing the APP, with their campaigns in full swing.
Prominent billboards featuring Port Harcourt City Council’s CTC Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, bearing the APP logo, have appeared across the city. Ichemati has promised to provide strong leadership if elected, stating, “We will protect the interests of the APP and the state. Our campaign will remain respectful and issue-based.”
Similarly, Marvin Yobana, the CTC Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, announced his defection to the APP during an event on Monday. Yobana, who wasn’t endorsed by Governor Fubara to run in the elections, declared, “I have moved to APP, and I present Martins Ibibo, who will be the next executive chairman of Khana after the October 5 election.”
Campaign materials from other APP candidates are now visible across the state, signaling the party’s determination to make a strong showing in the elections.
In related news, APP Rivers State Chairman Sunny Wokekoro announced that the party will kick off its senatorial campaigns on Tuesday, starting with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, Khana LGA’s headquarters.
Wokekoro expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, stating, “APP is here to change the face of governance in Rivers State. We invite all partners to join us as we move forward with our campaign under the guidelines set by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.”
He emphasized that APP candidates have been successfully screened by the commission and are ready to contest, with senatorial campaigns set to begin shortly.
