The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has been caught in a web of internal conflicts since 2018. This crisis, which began with the Supreme Court barring the party from participating in the 2019 elections, has persisted, leaving the APC struggling to regain stability. Leadership disputes, allegations of anti-party activities, and power struggles have further complicated matters.
According to Mr. Chibuike Ikenga, spokesperson for the Tony Okocha-led faction of Rivers APC, the party’s troubles started with disagreements among its leaders, particularly former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Ikenga claims that Amaechi mismanaged the trust and support given to him by the party’s members, weakening the APC’s chances in elections. These unresolved differences have led to what he describes as a serial loss in elections until 2023 when President Tinubu’s victory restored some hope.
Ikenga accuses Amaechi of working secretly with opposition leader Atiku Abubakar to undermine the APC and President Tinubu. He alleges that Amaechi holds clandestine meetings in Rivers State to weaken the party from within. Many of Amaechi’s former supporters are said to have aligned with Governor Sim Fubara, a PDP member, creating further divisions in the APC.
The APC in Rivers State is divided into factions, although Ikenga insists there is only one legitimate leadership under Tony Okocha. He argues that the former leadership, aligned with Amaechi, lost its positions due to anti-party activities. Court rulings have added to the confusion, with lower courts attempting to nullify decisions made by the party’s national leadership. Ikenga, however, maintains that these judgments cannot override superior court rulings, which protect political parties’ internal decisions.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is another major player in Rivers politics. While not a member of the APC, Wike’s alignment with the Tinubu-led federal administration has sparked controversies. Wike’s strained relationship with Governor Fubara has reportedly caused divisions within the PDP, presenting an opportunity for the APC to capitalize on their weaknesses.
Ikenga is confident that the APC can win the 2027 elections in Rivers State. He highlights the PDP’s internal divisions and argues that unity and strict adherence to the rule of law are key to the APC’s success. The party plans to challenge unfavorable rulings and consolidate its strength ahead of the elections.
The crisis in Rivers APC highlights the broader challenges of Nigerian politics, where alliances shift, and leadership struggles dominate. As 2027 approaches, the APC faces a tough task in rebuilding trust, resolving conflicts, and positioning itself as a viable alternative in Rivers State.
With clear leadership and a focus on unity, the party believes it can overcome its challenges and emerge victorious in the next election cycle.
