The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new chairman during the state delegate congress held in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Saturday.
Okocha, who previously served as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, was elected unopposed, underscoring the unity and cohesion within the party. Alongside Okocha, several other key executive members were also elected during the congress, which utilized a voice vote for the election process.
The congress was presided over by Dr. Adoye Omalez, who represented the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. During the event, Chief Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South region, commended the delegates for their exemplary conduct throughout the election. Giadom emphasized that the peaceful nature of the congress is a reflection of the unity within the party and the commitment of its members to support Okocha and the newly elected executive. He urged all party members to rally behind the new leadership to continue advancing the party’s objectives and strengthen its position in the state.
In his inaugural address, Okocha expressed gratitude to the party delegates and members for their trust and support. He assured them that the APC in Rivers State is poised for a strong future and reiterated the party’s ambition to take control of the state government by the year 2027. Okocha’s speech was filled with optimism as he emphasized that his election and the peaceful conduct of the congress disproved any claims that the APC was divided or incapable of organizing a successful election. He declared that the APC is unified and ready to secure a historic victory in the upcoming elections, starting with the 2027 general elections.
Okocha also took the opportunity to highlight the significant accomplishments of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the recommencement of petroleum production at the Port Harcourt Refinery. He praised Tinubu for his efforts in revitalizing the oil sector in the region and stressed that these achievements would positively impact Rivers State’s development. He pointed out that the efforts to restart the Port Harcourt Refinery were just the beginning, as the President has also directed the acceleration of the Kaduna and Warri refineries, which he believes will significantly address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
The newly elected chairman further assured party members that the APC would not only win the governorship election in Rivers State but would also secure victories in other elections at the local government, state assembly, and National Assembly levels. He underscored that the party’s ultimate goal is to bring a more competent and visionary government to Rivers State, which would stand in stark contrast to the current administration. “We are determined to bring about a government that is accountable, transparent, and truly working for the people,” Okocha stated.
In his speech, Okocha also stressed the importance of unity within the party, emphasizing that the APC is a family, and everyone must work together to achieve success. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by party members who traveled to Port Harcourt to participate in the congress and assured them that their support would not go unnoticed. He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for overseeing the primary election, ensuring it was conducted fairly and transparently.
Okocha’s election is seen as a significant step toward revitalizing the APC in Rivers State and positioning it as a strong contender for the 2027 elections. His leadership is expected to foster greater unity among party members and ensure the party’s success in securing key political positions within the state.
The state delegate congress also saw the election of other key positions within the party, including the Deputy Chairman, State Secretary, Publicity Secretary, State Auditor, State Women Leader, Youth Leader, Legal Advisor, and Zonal leaders for the three senatorial districts of Rivers State. These newly elected officials are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the party in the coming years and strengthening its presence across the state.
With the new leadership in place, the APC in Rivers State is confident that it will be able to build a strong, unified platform that can challenge the dominance of other political parties in the state and ensure that the APC takes charge of governance in 2027. Okocha’s leadership is viewed as a catalyst for change, and party members are hopeful that under his guidance, the APC will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections and provide the people of Rivers State with a government that prioritizes their needs and interests.
