Tensions within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reached a boiling point as two rival factions make conflicting claims.
The rift centers around allegations that former Governor Rotimi Amaechi made a pact with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, instructing APC members to support Atiku during the February 25th election.
Factional Claims
A faction aligned with the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, contends that Amaechi, a prominent APC figure, orchestrated a secret agreement with Atiku Abubakar before the election. Tony Okocha, leader of this faction, asserted this claim during a visit to the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in Abuja. Okocha was accompanied by senior party leaders and representatives from all local government areas in Rivers State.
It’s worth noting that Amaechi secured second place in the APC presidential primary, which ultimately nominated Bola Tinubu as the party’s candidate. Recently, Amaechi’s faction held talks with APC national chairman Ganduje, expressing their grievances about their exclusion from key positions within the Tinubu-led administration.
Unusual Request
Tony Okocha made an unusual appeal during the meeting with the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC). He suggested that any appointments or benefits meant for Rivers APC should be channeled through Nyesom Wike, the former PDP governor of Rivers State who now serves as the FCT minister.
Okocha elaborated, saying, “In Rivers State, the leader of the faction which includes figures like Cole and Dakuku, among others, formed an alliance with the PDP presidential candidate, HE Atiku Abubakar, advocating for Atiku over Tinubu in the presidential election. This decision was openly communicated during a meeting at the leader’s private residence in Port Harcourt, attended by Mr. Cole, Dakuku, Chukwudi Dimkpa, and other key members.”
Allegations of Manipulation
The claims made by Okocha’s faction imply that Amaechi actively promoted the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in direct opposition to the APC’s official candidate, Bola Tinubu. This alleged manipulation was intended to ensure Tinubu’s failure in Rivers State, with instructions issued to supporters across the state’s polling units, wards, and local government areas.
