According to a report from The Nation Nigeria. In a significant political maneuver, Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his political allies have opted to contest the upcoming local government elections on the platform of the Action Peoples Party (APP) rather than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This decision follows ongoing turmoil within the PDP, which has seen a shift in power dynamics that has left Fubara’s faction sidelined.
Reports indicate that the crisis within the PDP has become increasingly evident, particularly as the faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has consolidated control over the party’s structures in Rivers State. This control has manifested itself in various congresses across the state, where Wike’s supporters have effectively taken over the party’s machinery, leaving Fubara and his supporters in a precarious position.
Fubara’s camp sought to secure an alternative platform after they were unable to dominate the PDP and subsequently obtained a court injunction to prevent participation in the party’s congresses. Despite this legal strategy, Wike’s faction managed to use another court order to establish their authority, further entrenching their dominance.
With the PDP’s internal conflict deepening and no indication that control would revert to Fubara’s faction despite promises from several national leaders of the party, the governor’s team recognized the need for a new strategy. Consequently, they turned their attention to the APP, a party that has not been prominently featured in the state’s political landscape.
The emergence of the APP as Fubara’s choice has gained traction, with allies actively promoting its activities and helping to increase its visibility in the region. This shift has become a reality as Fubara’s supporters have been selected as candidates for local government chairmanship and council positions under the APP banner.
Recently, following the controversial candidate selection process, Fubara’s camp announced the final list of candidates for various local government areas. Notably, many candidates were drawn from the ranks of the existing Caretaker Committee chairmen, while new faces were also introduced in certain regions.
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