Rivers APC Ready to Work with Fubara, Says Okocha

Okocha assured that the APC would continue to consolidate on its growing membership strength while offering
constructive criticism of the Fubara administration when necessary. He emphasized that the Rivers APC is
focused on maturity, balance, and calculated political strategy as the state moves toward 2027.

“The governor who was suspended will return to office on September 18. The APC will work with him when he returns.
There are states where the governor and assembly members are in different parties, so we are going to work with him.
However, that will not take away our right to criticise him when he does wrong.”

He further stressed that the APC would cooperate with the state’s local government chairmen and institutions,
while refusing to accept policies that could harm Rivers people. This balanced approach, Okocha explained,
demonstrates that opposition politics can coexist with collaboration for state development.

He said:

“It was our calculated strategy not to field candidates in those LGAs and concentrate only where we have a
comparative advantage. Remember that Rivers State was a PDP state.”

This calculated approach, Okocha argued, will help the APC build momentum and strengthen its
comparative advantage in the run-up to 2027. He likened the party’s current rise to a transition
from being overlooked in 2023 to becoming a stronger and more vibrant political force today.

“In 2023, APC in Rivers State had no shoes. Now we are wearing psychedelic shoes.
We are going to double and redouble our membership for the President.
As far as my party is concerned, we will be fielding him for a second term in 2027.”

This statement reflects APC’s determination to grow its grassroots base and position Rivers State as a
key player in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
The chairman hinted at ongoing membership drives, noting that defections from rival parties
are strengthening the APC’s influence.

“PDP is in tatters and people are leaving them in droves for other parties, and we’re privileged to have them.
We’ll continue our pleas for the PDP members, particularly the FCT Minister, to come over to the APC and have peace.”

By positioning itself as the stabilizing force in Rivers politics, the APC is capitalizing on PDP’s disarray,
thereby consolidating its role as the leading opposition and a future governing party in the state.

In his place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.),
former Chief of Naval Staff, as Administrator of Rivers State for an initial six-month period.

“With the local government poll now concluded, the coast is clear for Governor Fubara to be reinstated.”

Wike’s comments signal a smoother path for reconciliation, though questions remain about how
APC-PDP dynamics will play out in the state once Fubara resumes power.

With Fubara set to return to office on September 18, all eyes will be on how effectively
the APC and PDP navigate Rivers politics in the coming years, especially as the state remains
a crucial battleground in Nigeria’s national elections.