Ahead of the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State, several Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have defected to the Action People’s Party (APP). Among them is Marvin Yobana, the CTC Chairman of Khana LGA, who, along with his supporters, formally announced their move to the APP after being denied the governor’s backing to contest the election.
Speculation is rife that Governor Fubara may leave the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APP due to the alleged takeover of the state’s PDP structure by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The rift between Fubara and Wike has fueled political tensions in the state.
Despite these rumors, Governor Fubara recently denied any plans to defect, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP during a meeting with the party’s Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara. However, many local chairmen and their supporters, previously aligned with the PDP, have shifted allegiance to the APP.
Nearly all candidates running for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the upcoming elections are now contesting under the APP banner, with campaigns already in full swing. Large billboards and posters, including those of Port Harcourt CTC Chairman Ezebunwo Ichemati, who is running for a substantive chairmanship position, are visible across the city. Ichemati has promised credible leadership if elected.
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro announced the start of senatorial campaigns, beginning with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, Khana LGA. Wokekoro described the APP as the party to beat in the state, committed to changing the political landscape.
