“Rivers is our next target,” Ganduje declares

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has declared Rivers State as the party’s next target.

Ganduje made this statement while speaking in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the state’s newly elected APC executive committee on Saturday.

The APC leader affirmed that Chief Tony Okocha is the recognized leader of the party in Rivers State. Okocha’s executive committee, which is aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, is endorsed by the national APC secretariat.

Ganduje’s remarks were aimed at consolidating the party’s position in Rivers, where it has previously faced challenges. The event was significant as it marked the inauguration of the state’s newly elected executive committee, an event held outside the national headquarters.

During his speech, Ganduje emphasized the importance of grassroots politics, explaining the decision to hold the inauguration in Rivers. He stated that the move was intended to foster unity between the national and state leadership of the party.

“We want to ensure that there is no division between the national executive and the state exco,” Ganduje said. He highlighted the need for the party to work together and stressed that the APC should be connected to the grassroots.

Ganduje also charged the new state executive to prioritize internal democracy and work towards unifying the party. He urged them to foster inclusiveness and embrace their responsibilities, as outlined in the party’s constitution.

The APC leader further urged the new executives to ensure that peace prevails within the party and that conflict resolution mechanisms are in place. He emphasized that strengthening the party in their constituencies is a crucial task.

Speaking about the party’s expansion in the South-South region, traditionally dominated by the PDP, Ganduje praised the APC’s progress. He noted that the APC had gained ground with victories in Cross River and Edo states under President Tinubu’s administration.

Ganduje proudly announced that Rivers State is the APC’s next strategic target for expansion in the South-South zone. He reaffirmed that the party is focused on achieving success in Rivers, stating, “Rivers, we are here for you.”