The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has vowed that his party will win Rivers State in the 2027 elections.
According to Naija News, Ganduje made this declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the newly elected state executive of the APC led by Chief Tony Okocha.
Ganduje acknowledged the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South region and highlighted the party’s recent gains in Cross River and Edo states, hinting that Rivers is next on the agenda.
The APC chairman said the decision to hold the ceremony in Rivers was a strategic move to strengthen the party’s grassroots ties, unlike the previous practice where the inauguration of state executives was held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. Explained.
Ganduje said: “Traditionally in APC, the inauguration of state chapters usually takes place at the APC headquarters in Abuja.
“However, as part of the changes we are introducing, we have decided to induct members of the committee elected here in Rivers State so that our party takes root at the grassroots. There is no dichotomy between government and national administration.”
He emphasized the importance of unity and coordination between national leadership and external affairs, stressing the need for active presence and engagement of the APC at all levels.
“Therefore, the state is our constituency. We need to embrace the state. We need to be in touch with the state. We need to be in harmony with the state. We need to be synergistic and we need to love our country. That’s why we are here," he added.
Ganduje called on the 36-member executive team led by Okocha to protect internal democracy, attract new members and promote peace within the party.
“As members and leaders of our party in the state, you know the fundamental responsibilities and roles enshrined in the constitution of our great party.
“You have to ensure democracy in the country. You have to make sure you look for new entrants and members to the party.
“Please use your political skills to make our party stronger and stronger in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary,” he advised.
In the presence of 16 members of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), Ganduje made it clear that conquering Rivers State is a key objective of the party.
“We need to ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism. As the leadership of the party, I believe that you are fit for the task. You are from the South-South geopolitical zone, which was dominated by the PDP. is.
“But you are fully aware that during the Muhammadu Buhari regime, you were able to hand over one state, Cross River, from the PDP to the APC. And now, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, So, we were able to win Edo State head on.
“We have recovered two of the six states in the zone (South-South). Rivers State is our target. In Rivers State, we are here for you. i am going.
“Therefore, I say to you (the new state foreign minister) that bringing Rivers State into the APC is a mandate that must be carried out. With these few remarks, I am officially the APC state executive committee member. “I’m going to start a society,” he declared.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the administration of the oath of office and allegiance to the new executive by the APC National Legal Counsel, Prof. Abdul Kareem Khanna (San State), under the supervision of the National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom. It was done.
The new Chairman of Rivers APC, Chief Tony Okocha, in his acceptance speech, vowed to lead a united and formidable party capable of unseating the ruling PDP in 2027.
“We are one united party in Rivers State. You (referring to the national leadership) already know that the enemy on the other side has already been defeated.
“As a political party, what we want to assure you is that this opposition abides by all the rules similar to a political party and can exhaust them.
“Our job is not to clap our hands to the government in power, but our job is to eliminate their market and we will erect the 2027 APC flag at the Government House in Rivers State. I am sending them a directive to do so,” Okocha said.
Mr Okocha also sent a message to members of his party who are still in litigation, urging them to return to the fold, saying “the party is supreme”.
He also urged disgruntled party members to put aside the legal battle and focus on the common goal of strengthening the party.
“Let me take this opportunity to remind some of our members who are running around the courtroom that there is nothing else to argue about in court.
“I didn’t believe that the power of the court was greater than the party. We are always told that the party is supreme. It was the National Commissioner who came to Rivers State for our inauguration. None other than the chief himself and 16 members of the party’s national working committee.
“I want to use this medium to encourage them to come back to the party. We are a party team that needs to stick together. I think the more the merrier when it comes to partying. Everyone. So let’s get back together again,” Okocha concluded.