Despite former Transport Minister Chibuike Amaechi’s prominent leadership role in Rivers State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region declared on Thursday that their doors are still open for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor Nyesom Wike to join their ranks.
This was revealed at a press conference held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Rivers state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony C Okocha, backed by the party’s spokesperson, Chibuike Ikenga, stated that the party needs everyone on board in order to win future elections in the state.
Given the political antagonism and opposing views between Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Amaechi, a senior player in the APC, the statement is both surprising and inclusive.
The Chairman said, “We are a new party. We are interested in peacebuilding and consensus building. As we are, we do not what to go into some sensitive issues that need to be addressed by the larger group of stakeholders and leaders of the party.
“There are so many leaders in Rivers state. Rotimi Amaechi is a leader of the party. There are other leaders of the party who also are people who have participated to get this party to where it is. So mentioning the Minister of FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, an illustrious son of Rivers state but he is not a member of APC. He is a member of PDP. But, if tomorrow he wants to join the APC, we can’t stop anybody as far as he wants to join… we will welcome them to boost our ranks to win elections.”
The APC leaders invited Wike to join the party and offered his abundance of leadership and experience, emphasizing their dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive political climate. They acknowledged Amaechi’s powerful position within the APC, but emphasized that the party is open to accommodating leaders from all political backgrounds for the better interest of Rivers State.
The decision represents a break from traditional political differences and a readiness to prioritize the state’s interest and prosperity over party affiliations. A gesture like this is intended to foster unity and collaboration among political leaders, potentially leading to a more harmonic and productive political scene in Rivers State.
While Amaechi’s leadership remains crucial inside the APC, party officials think that including individuals with varied opinions, such as Wike, could contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive political discourse.
