The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has set sights on Rivers State, announcing plans to wrestle it from the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2027 general elections.
Ganduje made this audacious declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt while inaugurating the newly elected APC state executive committee led by Chief Tony Okocha.
The ceremony marked a departure from tradition, as such events are usually held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
“We decided to inaugurate these elected committee members here in Rivers State so that our party is rooted in the grassroots. So there is no dichotomy between the national executive and the state exco,” Ganduje said.
Rivers State, currently governed by PDP’s Siminalayi Fubara, is a key target for APC as it strengthens its foothold in the South-South. Ganduje pointed out that under the APC’s leadership, the party has already captured two states in the zone—Cross River during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency and Edo under President Bola Tinubu.
“Out of the six states in the zone, we have recovered two. Rivers State is our target. Rivers State we are here for you. Rivers State you are on the way,” Ganduje affirmed.
Addressing the newly inaugurated state executive members, Ganduje charged them with crucial responsibilities to advance the party’s interests in Rivers.
“As members and leaders of our party in the state, you know your basic responsibilities, your functions as spelt out by the constitution of our great party,” he said.
He urged the new leaders to ensure internal democracy, recruit new members, and resolve conflicts within the party ranks effectively. Ganduje also emphasized the importance of collaboration across all levels of the party, promising national support even at the grassroots.
“You must ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism. As leaders of the party, I believe you are equal to the task,” he said.
The APC chairman rallied the state executive members to focus on reclaiming Rivers for the party, calling it “a task that must be done.”
“Use your political dexterity to ensure that our party moves from strength to strength in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary,” Ganduje added.
With these remarks, Ganduje formally inaugurated the 36-member Okocha-led APC State Executive Committee, leaving no doubt about the party’s determination to challenge the PDP’s dominance in Rivers State.
