The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers State has vehemently denied allegations made by Labour Party leader, Prince Favor Reuben, who accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of selectively choosing candidates for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5.
Reuben, who holds the position of South-South Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, voiced his accusations during a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Monday.
In response, the APP released a statement on Tuesday, urging Reuben to redirect his efforts towards election preparations rather than making unfounded claims.
Sunny Wokekoro, the state chairman of APP, characterized Reuben’s accusations as “immature” and “misguided.”
He remarked, “Reuben’s statement reveals a profound misunderstanding of how party governance functions. Typically, one wouldn’t dignify such nonsense with a response or grant him the attention he clearly desires.
“The management of political parties, including their congresses and primaries, is outlined in each party’s constitution; every party has its unique operational procedures, and the Action Peoples Party is no different.
“We have conducted our primaries in accordance with our party’s constitutional guidelines and have moved beyond that stage.”
Wokekoro continued, “Rather than displaying their ignorance of political party operations, Reuben and his benefactors should focus on preparing for the elections.”
Regarding the alleged meeting at the governor’s office, he urged journalists to inquire whether the unnamed source had genuinely attended the meeting and if they could identify any official from the Action Peoples Party who could support the claim that Governor Fubara was influencing candidate selections for the party.
“We have repeatedly stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not affiliated with our party and, therefore, cannot dictate our candidate selections.
Wokekoro emphasized that Reuben lacks the authority to question the internal matters of the APP.
He reassured that the APP is committed to its goals and is open to welcoming new members from other political factions.
The APP chairman expressed confidence in the party’s capability to secure victories across all local government areas in the forthcoming elections, insisting that they are diligently following the timeline set by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RESIEC) while criticizing those influenced by external pressures as acting out of ignorance.
