The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has officially recognized Chief Tony Okocha as the leader of the party in Rivers State.
In his statement, Ganduje confirmed that the executive committee led by Okocha, who is a close ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, represents the legitimate leadership structure of the APC in Rivers State as recognized by the party’s national secretariat.
Ganduje made this announcement on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the newly elected state executive committee of the APC. He congratulated the newly elected members and explained the party’s decision to hold the event in Rivers State, rather than at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja. Ganduje emphasized that this move was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the national and state leaderships of the party, ensuring a unified approach and eliminating any potential divisions between the two structures.
In his address, Ganduje urged the new state executive committee to prioritize internal democracy, describing it as a fundamental responsibility for the success and growth of the party. He also stressed the importance of promoting unity and inclusiveness within the party at the state level, calling for collaborative efforts to advance the APC’s agenda.
Turning to the party’s performance in the South-South geopolitical zone, which has historically been a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ganduje noted that the APC has made notable strides. He pointed to the party’s successful control of Cross River and Edo states as key achievements, signaling its growing influence in the region. Looking ahead, Ganduje stated that Rivers State is now a key target for the APC’s expansion in the South-South, as the party continues to work towards increasing its presence and influence across the region.
