As the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State approach, several Caretaker Committee Chairmen aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara have officially defected to the Action People’s Party (APP).
This shift comes amid ongoing speculation that Governor Fubara may leave the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APP, following allegations that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has taken control of the state PDP structure. The relationship between Fubara and Wike has been strained, contributing to the political crisis in the state.
Despite these rumors, Governor Fubara recently hosted the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he denied any plans to defect and reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP.
Nonetheless, council chairmen loyal to Fubara, along with their supporters, have made the decision to join the APP. Most candidates running for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the upcoming local government elections are now campaigning under the APP banner, with campaign activities already underway.
A prominent billboard featuring the current Caretaker Chairman of Port Harcourt City Council, Ezebunwo Ichemati, showcases his candidacy for a substantive chairmanship position with the APP logo prominently displayed. His campaign posters are also visible throughout the metropolis.
Ichemati has pledged to deliver credible leadership if elected, stating, “We will defend the interests of the party (APP) and the state if elected into office. We will also adhere to the directive to avoid engaging in negative campaigns.”
Additionally, the Caretaker Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Marvin Yobana, along with his supporters, has formally announced their defection to the APP. At an event in Khana Local Council on Monday, Yobana, who did not receive the governor’s endorsement to contest in the local government elections, declared, “I hereby announce that I have moved to APP and I introduce to you the person that would be sworn in after the October 5 election as the executive chairman of Khana, Mr. Martins Ibibo.”
Campaign posters for other announced candidates are also being displayed across various locations in the state.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, Rivers APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro announced that the party would kick off its senatorial campaigns on Tuesday, starting with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, the headquarters of Khana LGA.
Wokekoro described the APP as the party to beat, stating, “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. We plan to embark on our campaigns under the guidelines provided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. Candidates have emerged and successfully gone through RSIEC screening. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, our party intends to commence its senatorial campaigns and rallies.”