Gov Fubara Loyalists Emerges as APP Candidates For Rivers LGA Polls
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has shifted his political strategy by endorsing the All People’s Party (APP) for the upcoming local government elections, set to occur on October 5, 2024. This move comes after Fubara and his loyalists experienced what they perceive as marginalization within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), leading to their decision to contest under the APP banner. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Name Of APP Local Government Area Chairmanship Candidates
1 *ABUA/ODUAL* –
2 *AHOADA-EAST* – Chibudom Ezu
3 *AHOADA-WEST* – Mr. Iyekor Ikporo
4 *AKUKU-TORU* – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide
5 *ANDONI* – Hon. Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile
6 *ASARI-TORU* –
7 *BONNY* – Hon. Anengi Barasua
8 *DEGEMA* – Dr. Harry Agiriye
9 *ELEME* – Chief Brain Gokpa
10 *EMOHUA* – Barr. David Omereji
11 *ETCHE* – Hon. John Ngubo Otamiri
12 *GOKANA* – Hon. Monday Dumiye
13 *IKWERRE* – Barr. Isreal Abosi
14 *KHANA* – Hon. Martins Nwigbo
15 *OBIO/AKPOR* – Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo
16 *OGBA/EGBEMA/NDONI* – Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru
17 *OGU/BOLO* – Ishmael Oforibika
18 *OKRIKA* – Hon. Igwe Achese
19 *OMUMA* – Hon. Promise Reginald
20 *OPOBO/NKORO* – Enyiada Cookey-gam
21 *OYIGBO* – Hon. Gift Okere
22 *PORT HARCOURT* – Ezebunwo Ichemati
23 *TAI* – Hon. Matthew Nenubari Dike
- Political Shift: The Governor, along with his loyalists, decided to move away from the PDP due to internal conflicts, particularly with regards to the control of the party machinery in Rivers State. This internal strife has been notably influenced by Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has maintained a significant grip on the PDP structure in the state.
- Candidates for LGA Polls: Governor Fubara has anointed candidates for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) under the APP. This includes prominent figures like Dame Anengi Barasua for Bonny, Promise Reginald for Omuma, and Mathew Nenubari Dike for Tai, among others. This list represents Fubara’s preferred candidates, indicating a concerted effort to maintain influence at the local government level through a different political platform.
- Reasons for the Shift: The decision to move to APP was necessitated by the loss of control over the PDP’s local structures, which are crucial for grassroots politics and electoral success. This shift also reflects broader political dynamics where incumbents or political leaders sometimes switch parties or support alternative platforms when they feel sidelined or when internal party democracy is perceived to be lacking.
- Implications for Rivers State Politics: This shift could potentially disrupt the long-standing dominance of the PDP in Rivers State politics, which has held power for about 25 years. The move might also encourage other politicians in similar predicaments to consider alternative parties, potentially leading to a more fragmented political landscape.
- Public and Political Reaction: While specific reactions from the public or other political figures aren’t detailed in the provided information, such a significant political realignment typically sparks debate on political loyalty, strategy, and the health of democracy within the state. It might also lead to increased political activity as other parties and factions within the PDP, including those loyal to Wike, react to this development.
- Future Outlook: The success of Fubara’s strategy with the APP in the local government elections will be a key indicator of his political strength and influence moving forward. If successful, this could set a precedent for future political maneuvers not just in Rivers but potentially in other states facing similar internal party conflicts.
This scenario highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where party affiliations can shift based on power dynamics, personal ambitions, and perceived political advantages. The upcoming elections will be a critical test for Governor Fubara’s new political alignment and his ability to maintain or even expand his political base.
