PDP Crisis: Pro-Fubara local government chairmen defect to Action People’s Party ahead of elections
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 occurs amid speculation that Governor Fubara may leave the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APP, following allegations that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—has taken control of the state PDP structure. The relationship between Fubara and Wike has soured, contributing to the ongoing 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.
Nevertheless, council chairmen loyal to Fubara, along with their supporters, have chosen 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, highlights his candidacy for a substantive chairmanship position, prominently displaying the APP logo. His campaign posters are also visible throughout the metropolis.
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Ichemati has vowed to provide 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, and his supporters have officially announced their defection to the Action People’s Party (APP). At an event held in Khana Local Council on Monday, Yobana, who did not receive the governor’s endorsement to contest in the upcoming local government elections, declared, “I hereby announce that I have moved to the APP, and I introduce to you the person who will be sworn in after the October 5 election as the executive chairman of Khana, Mr. Martins Ibibo.”
Campaign posters for other candidates have also begun appearing 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 belong, stating, “The Action People’s Party, Rivers State branch invites you today as partners in progress to help change the dismal narrative of governance in our state. We plan to conduct our campaigns in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. Our candidates have successfully undergone RSIEC screening. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, our party intends to commence its senatorial campaigns and rallies.”
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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