Amidst hardship and political turmoil, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje has vowed that the party will take control of Rivers State, stirring controversy as the ongoing Wike-Fubara power struggle intensifies.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a bold declaration to seize control of Rivers State, even as the state grapples with political infighting between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje expressed the party’s intention to restructure its Rivers State chapter, positioning the APC to gain dominance in the state’s political landscape.
Ganduje’s statement came during a Thursday event in Abuja, where he welcomed Dawari Ibietela George, the 2023 governorship candidate for Action Alliance (AA), back into the APC. Describing George as a “big fish” and a skilled strategist, Ganduje voiced confidence that George’s return would reinforce the party’s foothold in Rivers State.
“We are ready to completely transform Rivers State into APC territory,” Ganduje stated. “You are now equal members with every other member of the party, and we are committed to widening democracy across Nigeria.”
The party leader’s comments stirred up controversy, particularly as Rivers State is embroiled in a power tussle between Fubara and Wike, who is now the FCT Minister in the APC-led federal government. Wike’s loyalty to the APC has raised questions, and his ongoing influence over Rivers’ political structure is seen as a key factor in the state’s internal struggles. In response, Ganduje pledged to create a “robust structure” to integrate George and other returning members, asserting that the APC would be an inclusive platform dedicated to fairness and diverse interests.
This declaration by Ganduje comes as a calculated move to realign the political dynamics in Rivers, reflecting the APC’s ambitious goal of extending its influence despite widespread economic and social hardship faced by Nigerians.
As Rivers State remains mired in tension, APC’s bold claim of taking control has raised concerns over the stability of the state’s governance, especially with the ongoing Wike-Fubara clash adding fuel to the state’s political fire.
