By Muhammad Mamman
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly excluded its Rivers State chapter from the forthcoming state congresses, a decision that is already stirring intense political discussion and altering calculations within the state’s power circles.
Party sources indicate that the move by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) is tied to the status of the current Rivers State executive committee, led by Chief Tony Okocha. The executive is said to remain constitutionally in office, with its tenure yet to expire, making the conduct of fresh congresses in the state procedurally contentious.
Okocha is widely perceived to be politically aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a factor many observers believe adds a deeper layer of intrigue to the NWC’s decision. While the party has not issued a detailed public explanation, insiders suggest the development is aimed at avoiding internal disputes that could arise from parallel structures or leadership tussles.
The reported sidelining of the Rivers chapter is seen by analysts as significant for the state’s political landscape, particularly given the ongoing rivalry and realignments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and key political actors loyal to Wike. Some party stakeholders fear the decision could heighten tensions, while others argue it may preserve temporary stability within the party’s ranks.
As discussions continue behind closed doors, attention is now focused on whether the APC leadership will clarify its position and how the decision may shape alliances ahead of future electoral contests in Rivers State.
For now, the exclusion has injected fresh uncertainty into Rivers politics, reinforcing the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political arenas.
