Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has taken a bold political step by instructing all 23 local government chairmen in the State to contest the forthcoming local government elections on the platform of the All People’s Party (APP).
This decision follows recent political developments that have seen Governor Fubara lose significant influence over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State to his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The upcoming local government election, slated for October 5, 2024, is shaping up to be a crucial event in Rivers State politics.
Governor Fubara’s choice to align himself and the local government chairmen with the APP is seen as a strategic move to regain political ground and challenge Wike’s stronghold over the PDP.
For several months, Wike has maintained firm control over the PDP’s structure in the state, a situation that has led to growing tension and a power struggle between the two leaders.
Wike’s influence over the party has limited Governor Fubara’s authority within the PDP, pushing the Governor to explore alternative avenues to maintain his political relevance in the state.
The decision to support the APP, a party that previously had limited visibility in the region, is widely regarded as a direct counter to Wike’s dominance.
Many political observers see this as a calculated attempt by Governor Fubara to build a new base of support, separate from the PDP, in order to assert himself as a key player in the state’s political landscape.
This shift is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political dynamics in Rivers State, particularly as the local government elections approach.
With Governor Fubara and the sitting local government chairmen now aligning with the APP, the party is expected to gain substantial momentum ahead of the elections.
The APP, which had previously been a relatively minor player in Rivers State politics, now has the potential to make significant inroads, thanks to the backing of these influential figures.
This move is poised to transform the APP from an obscure party into a serious contender in the local government elections, reshaping the political landscape in the process.
As the October elections near, all eyes will be on Rivers State to see how this political realignment will play out and what impact it will have on the balance of power between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike.
