APC Plots Political Takeover in Rivers State Ahead of 2027 Elections

National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party has declared the party’s intention to transform Rivers State into a political stronghold by 2027. Speaking during the inauguration of Tony Okocha and 22 other executive members, Ganduje outlined the party’s gradual expansion plan in the South-South region traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Highlighting previous political victories, Ganduje pointed to the APC’s successful takeover of Cross River State during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency and the recent win in Edo State under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“You are from the South-South geo-politcal zone where the zone was dominated by the PDP. But you are fully aware that during the Buhari administration, we were able to take one state, Cross River, from the PDP,” he said.

“And in the present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, we were able to win squarely in Edo State. Out of six states in the zone, we have recovered two. Rivers State is our target. Rivers, we are here for you. Rivers, you are on the way,” he said.

Breaking from traditional practices, Ganduje chose to conduct the inauguration directly in Rivers State, symbolizing a grassroots-focused strategy. “We decided to inaugurate this elected executive members here in Rivers so that our party is rooted to the grassroots,” he explained.

The APC chairman challenged the new executive members to focus on critical areas of party development, including expanding membership, ensuring internal democracy, and establishing effective conflict resolution mechanisms. He stressed the importance of being actively connected at every level, from ward to state, to strengthen the party’s presence and influence. He said,

“We are all working together and we don’t feel reluctant even to go to the ward level and undertake our function that is for APC. Therefore, the state is our constituency. We need to embrace the state. We need to be in contact with the state. We need to be in harmony with the state.

“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. You have to ensure that there is internal democracy. You’re to ensure that you look for new entrants into the party and look for members into the party.

“Use your political dexterity to ensure that our party moves forward. strengthen the party in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary. It is your responsibility to ensure that there is peace and you must ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism. As leaders of the party I believe you are equal to the task.”