Ahead of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, several caretaker chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action People’s Party (APP).
This move follows ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
It has been widely speculated that Fubara himself might leave the PDP after Wike allegedly seized control of the party’s structure in the state.
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Despite these rumors, Fubara has publicly denied any plans to defect from the PDP.
In a recent meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party.
However, the defections of key figures close to him suggest deeper unrest within the state’s political landscape.
Several caretaker committee chairmen, including the Port Harcourt City Council’s CTC Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, have openly joined the APP.
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Ichemati, who is now campaigning for a permanent chairmanship under the APP, has displayed billboards and posters across the city, signaling a major shift in local political dynamics.
Promising to lead with integrity, Ichemati emphasized that his campaign would remain positive and focus on the interests of both the party and the state.
In Khana Local Government Area, another prominent defection occurred when Marvin Yobana, the CTC Chairman, moved to the APP after failing to secure Governor Fubara’s support to run for a formal position in the LG election.
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Yobana introduced Martins Ibibo as the APP’s candidate for Khana LGA and expressed confidence in Ibibo’s victory.
The shift to APP is widespread, with many chairmanship and councillorship candidates now contesting under the APP banner.
APP campaign materials are becoming more visible across the state, reflecting growing momentum behind the party.
Sunny Wokekoro, Chairman of the Rivers State APP, announced plans to launch their senatorial campaigns starting with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, Khana LGA.
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He stated that the APP is set to change the political narrative in the state, highlighting their candidates’ successful screening by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Wokekoro described the APP as the “party to beat” and expressed optimism that it would usher in a new era of governance in Rivers State, positioning the party as a strong alternative in the upcoming elections.
