Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP) ahead of the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
The mass defection, which has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, comes amidst escalating tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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Reports suggest that the ongoing friction between Fubara and Wike has resulted in a political crisis, with Wike allegedly taking control of the state’s PDP structure. This move has left Fubara’s loyalists feeling marginalized and pushed them toward the APP in search of a more favorable platform ahead of the crucial elections.
Among the key defectors is Ezebunwo Ichemati, the Caretaker Chairman of Port Harcourt City Council, who has publicly announced his intention to provide credible leadership if elected as the substantive chairman under the APP banner. Similarly, Marvin Yobana, CTC Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, has also abandoned the PDP alongside his supporters. Yobana introduced Martins Ibibo as the APP’s candidate for the chairmanship of Khana LGA.
APP Gains Ground in Rivers Politics
In response to the influx of new members, Rivers APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the upcoming local government elections. He announced that the party would officially kick off its senatorial campaigns on September 24, starting in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, with a rally scheduled for Bori in Khana LGA.
Wokekoro declared the APP as the party to beat in the elections, emphasizing its mission to change the narrative of governance in Rivers State. “The Action People’s Party, Rivers State branch invites you today as partners in progress in changing the ugly narrative of governance in our state,” Wokekoro stated during a press briefing on Monday.
He added, “As you are all aware, candidates have emerged and have successfully gone through RSIEC [Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission] screening. By tomorrow, Tuesday, the 24th of September, our party intends to embark on senatorial campaigns and rallies.”
Fubara’s Loyalty to PDP Remains
Despite the defection of many of his loyalists, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied any plans to leave the PDP. He recently reaffirmed his commitment to the party during a meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara’s reaffirmation of loyalty to the PDP comes amid growing speculation that he may also be considering a switch to the APP, a move he has consistently denied. However, the defection of key figures within his political camp raises questions about the future of the PDP in Rivers State as it prepares for the upcoming local government polls.
As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, the October 5 election is set to be a decisive battle that could reshape the state’s power structure, with the APP emerging as a formidable challenger to the long-standing dominance of the PDP.