Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has directed all 23 local government chairpersons to participate in the upcoming local elections under the All People’s Party (APP) banner.
This strategic decision follows Fubara’s diminishing influence within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has fallen under the control of former governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The local elections are set to take place on October 5, 2024.
Wike’s stronghold over the PDP in Rivers State has led to rising tensions between him and Fubara. The ongoing power struggle has prompted the governor to pivot towards supporting the APP, a maneuver that is widely perceived as an attempt to challenge Wike’s authority in the region.
As the date for the local elections approaches, this shift is anticipated to significantly alter the political landscape in Rivers State.
The APP, once a relatively obscure political party in the area, is now poised for a surge in popularity, backed by the governor and the existing local government chairpersons.