In a bold declaration that has generated political waves in Rivers State, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has endorsed the Okocha-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers as the “authentic” wing of the party. Ganduje’s statement, made at a recent rally, has reignited the political rivalry in the state, intensifying the already competitive atmosphere ahead of the 2027 governorship election. His strong endorsement of the faction, led by Tonye Okocha, signals the APC’s intent to challenge the dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers and to make a significant push for control of the state in the coming years.
Ganduje’s Confidence in the Okocha-led APC
Ganduje, who is a key figure in the APC and a seasoned political leader, declared that the faction led by Okocha was the true representation of the party in Rivers, effectively discrediting rival factions within the state. His statement was not only a reaffirmation of his confidence in Okocha’s leadership but also a direct challenge to the existing political establishment in Rivers, which is predominantly controlled by the PDP.
The endorsement is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the APC’s position in Rivers and to rally support for the party’s future ambitions in the state. Ganduje’s support for the Okocha-led faction is also aimed at consolidating the party’s influence in the South-South region, where the APC has been struggling to make significant inroads in recent years. By declaring Okocha’s faction as the authentic APC, Ganduje is sending a message that the party is united in its efforts to unseat the PDP in the 2027 governorship elections.
Rivers State’s Political Landscape
Rivers State, an oil-rich region in southern Nigeria, has been a stronghold of the PDP for decades. The PDP has consistently dominated the political scene in the state, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, playing pivotal roles in maintaining the party’s grip on power. However, in recent years, there have been signs of discontent within the PDP, with internal divisions and political infighting providing an opening for opposition parties like the APC.
The Okocha-led APC faction aims to capitalize on these cracks within the PDP to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 elections. Okocha, a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) chairman and a prominent lawyer, has gained significant recognition in Rivers political circles and is seen as a key figure capable of unseating the PDP’s dominance. His leadership of the APC faction has attracted support from various political figures and party loyalists, further bolstering his position as the face of the opposition in the state.
Ganduje’s Ambition for 2027
Ganduje’s statement also underscores the APC’s long-term strategy for 2027, where the party hopes to make significant gains in states previously considered strongholds of the PDP. Ganduje, who has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the APC’s influence across Nigeria, sees Rivers State as a crucial battleground in the 2027 elections. By throwing his weight behind Okocha and positioning the faction as the authentic APC, Ganduje aims to galvanize party members in Rivers and ensure the party is well-prepared for the upcoming electoral contest.
His declaration is also a clear indication that the APC is ready to launch a full-scale campaign in Rivers, with a focus on addressing the issues that have long been ignored by the ruling PDP. For the APC to succeed, it will need to present a strong alternative to the PDP’s policies, focusing on economic development, security, and social welfare, while capitalizing on the growing disillusionment with the PDP’s leadership in the state.
Challenges Ahead for the APC in Rivers
While Ganduje’s endorsement of the Okocha-led faction is a boost for the APC’s prospects in Rivers, there are several hurdles the party must overcome in its quest for power. First, the APC must unite its various factions and address the internal divisions that have plagued the party in the state. The political landscape in Rivers is fragmented, with several factions vying for control of the party. Overcoming these divisions and presenting a united front will be critical to the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.
Another challenge for the APC is the overwhelming popularity of the PDP in the state, which has established strong grassroots support through its years of dominance. The APC will need to win over key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local government officials, and grassroots supporters, to effectively challenge the PDP’s hold on power.
Additionally, the APC will need to convince voters that it can deliver tangible benefits to the people of Rivers, particularly in areas like infrastructure development, job creation, and security. The party’s success will depend on its ability to present a compelling vision for the state’s future and to demonstrate that it can be a better alternative to the PDP’s long-standing governance.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s endorsement of the Okocha-led APC faction in Rivers marks a significant turning point in the state’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 governorship election. By declaring the faction as the authentic wing of the party, Ganduje is signaling the APC’s determination to unseat the PDP and make serious gains in the South-South region.
However, the party faces significant challenges, including internal divisions and the PDP’s entrenched power in the state. For the APC to succeed, it will need to unite its members, present a compelling alternative to the ruling party, and win the support of key stakeholders in Rivers. As the 2027 election approaches, all eyes will be on how the APC navigates these challenges and positions itself as a viable contender for power in Rivers State.