The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has expressed optimism that the state is on the path to political stability and improved governance, following recent developments where Governor Siminalayi Fubara withdrew from the governorship race.
A New Era of Peace and Development
Speaking during an interview, Okocha said the state is already experiencing relative peace and believes the political atmosphere will continue to improve as stakeholders work toward a common goal. According to him, Rivers people should expect a new chapter marked by peace, tranquility, infrastructural development, and good governance.
“There will be relative peace in the polity. Everybody within our political family will be on board, and Rivers State will begin to experience good governance again,” he stated.
Coalition Leadership Under Wike
Okocha maintained that the emerging coalition championed by his political camp and headed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, would provide the leadership required to move the state forward. He described it as the political structure that would ultimately take the driver’s seat in the affairs of the state.
He dismissed suggestions that opposition political parties could pose a serious challenge to the coalition, insisting that no formidable political force currently exists to derail its plans.
“What you will witness is what I call the bigger political force absorbing the smaller ones. I have not seen any strong political hands that can contend with the moving train we have,” he asserted.
Strategies for Future Elections
While acknowledging that other political groups are also mobilizing ahead of future elections, the APC chairman said his party and its allies were equally perfecting their strategies. “We are putting finishing touches to our plans and ensuring that no stone is left unturned,” he added.
Governorship Candidate Yet to Be Decided
On the issue of who will eventually emerge as the coalition’s governorship candidate, Okocha said no final decision has been taken, stressing that the process would be determined collectively by members of the coalition.
He disclosed that the coalition currently comprises the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the Action Alliance (AA), and noted that discussions are ongoing with two additional political parties interested in joining the alliance.
According to him, the coalition will assess the strengths, political value, and electoral advantages of all prospective candidates before arriving at a consensus on who to support.
“We have not decided who will fly the coalition’s governorship ticket. At the appropriate time, all the parties will sit together, evaluate the possibilities and support the candidate with the greatest advantage,” Okocha said.
He added that with more political parties indicating interest in joining the coalition, the alliance could expand from the current four parties to six or seven before final decisions are taken.
