Rivers APC Crisis: Spokesperson Talks Amaechi’s Role, Fubara’s 2027 Prospects, and Wike-Odili Rift

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has been in turmoil since 2018, stemming from a series of internal conflicts, beginning with the party’s exclusion from the 2019 general elections due to a Supreme Court ruling. Despite sporadic moments of hope, the party has struggled to regain its footing. In an exclusive interview with Daily Post, Mr. Chibuike Ikenga, spokesperson of the faction led by Tony Okocha, sheds light on the roots of the crisis, the role of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, and the political future of Rivers State.

Ikenga, a founding member of the APC, emphasized that while the party’s challenges date back to 2012, the fallout between party leaders, including Amaechi and others, created a rift that made the APC vulnerable in subsequent elections. “The leadership mismanagement weakened the party, and we became serial losers until 2023, when President Tinubu won in Rivers,” Ikenga explained.

When asked about the potential for unity within the party, Ikenga insisted there was no genuine factionalism. He described the dispute as a power struggle among party members, with some unhappy individuals attempting to realign with the state’s leadership. Despite this, he affirmed, “APC is one in Rivers.”

Ikenga did not hold back when discussing the influence of Amaechi, suggesting that his silence was strategic, and linking him to efforts to destabilize the party by aligning with Sim Fubara’s administration. “We know Amaechi’s clandestine meetings, and his supporters are working closely with Fubara,” he said. “Amaechi mismanaged the support he had, and that’s why the party has faltered.”

On the topic of the 2023 election and the leadership of Emeka Beke, Ikenga pointed to a key issue—members of the faction aligned with Amaechi were accused of backing Atiku Abubakar rather than the APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu. “That was anti-party activity, and that’s why they were dissolved,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of reconciliation within the party, Ikenga dismissed the Rivers High Court ruling nullifying the caretaker committee appointed by the APC National Working Committee, calling it a “procured judgment” that contradicted higher court rulings. “We’ve received a clean bill from the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court has already made its stance clear.”

Ikenga expressed optimism for the party’s future, predicting a victory for the APC in the 2027 gubernatorial election. He attributed this potential success to the fragmentation within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a stronger, united APC. He also discussed Governor Sim Fubara’s 2027 prospects, noting that while he has made significant progress, tensions within his party could undermine his political future unless he reconciles with key stakeholders, including the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. “If Fubara doesn’t repair his relationship with Wike and others, his path to re-election will be difficult,” Ikenga warned.

He also addressed the growing friction between former Governors Wike and Peter Odili, accusing Odili of reckless behavior. “Odili’s public attacks on Wike were unnecessary and irresponsible,” Ikenga said, calling for more respect and private dialogue in resolving political disputes.

Looking ahead, Ikenga emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law, predicting that adherence to judicial decisions would be key to resolving the crisis and ensuring smooth governance in the state. As for the APC’s roadmap to the 2027 election, Ikenga remains confident, stating, “We will capture Rivers in 2027, as we continue to fight for the party’s future in the state.”