Amaechi accused of holding secret night meetings and collaborating with Atiku to overthrow Tinubu – Claims by Okocha-led APC
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been plagued by internal conflicts, tracing back to 2018 when the Supreme Court disqualified the party from participating in the 2019 general elections in the state. Since then, the party has been caught in a cycle of crises, struggling to regain its footing.
In an exclusive discussion with DAILY POST, Mr. Chibuike Ikenga, spokesperson for the APC faction led by Tony Okocha, shared insights into the origins of the crisis, the role of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, the likelihood of Governor Sim Fubara retaining the governorship in 2027, and the strained ties between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Peter Odili. Below are excerpts from the interview.
What triggered the APC crisis in Rivers State?
The APC’s challenges in Rivers State are longstanding. As a founding member of the party since its inception in 2012, I’ve witnessed its trajectory firsthand. Initially, the APC showed great promise, but leadership disputes, particularly between then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other party leaders, fractured its unity. This discord weakened the party, leading to repeated election losses until 2023, when the APC finally secured victory with the emergence of the President in Rivers State. These early disagreements laid the groundwork for the current turmoil.
Why does peace remain elusive within the APC in Rivers State?
To clarify, there is no factional APC in Rivers State. The party’s structure remains intact. However, some individuals, having lost their positions due to anti-party activities and poor performance, misrepresent internal disputes as factionalism. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, acting within its constitutional authority, dissolved the controversial State Working Committee and appointed a caretaker committee. This decision, supported by the National Working Committee (NWC) and ratified by the courts, remains binding. Claims of factionalism are unfounded; they stem from grievances of those who have lost power and seek to challenge the party’s progress through legal maneuvers.
Does Rotimi Amaechi have a role in the crisis despite his silence?
Undoubtedly. Amaechi’s alignment with Atiku Abubakar to oppose the President is well-known. While he operates discreetly, holding nocturnal meetings with his allies, his influence on anti-party activities is evident. Key figures aligned with Amaechi, such as Emeka Beke, who is inaccurately described as a factional chairman, continue to undermine the party from within.
What’s your perspective on Amaechi’s leadership within the APC?
As a former party leader in Amaechi’s local government, I’ve observed his tenure closely. Despite initial dedication, it became clear that Amaechi mismanaged the immense support he received. His unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints and his authoritarian leadership style alienated many loyalists. I joined the APC to champion the development of my community, not out of personal loyalty to Amaechi. When my interests and those of my people were no longer prioritized, I resigned from leadership, a decision that resonated across the state.
Did the Emeka Beke-led faction engage in anti-party activities during the 2023 elections?
Absolutely. This faction explicitly endorsed Atiku Abubakar over the APC’s presidential candidate, a clear act of disloyalty. Their removal was justified, as the party cannot thrive with leaders who undermine its objectives.
Is the Tony Okocha-led faction collaborating with Nyesom Wike, and does this not constitute anti-party behavior?
While Wike is not an APC member, he serves as a minister under the APC-led administration, actively advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our collaboration with him aligns with the broader objectives of the APC government. This strategic partnership strengthens the party rather than weakens it.
Why does the Okocha-led faction reject the Rivers High Court ruling on the caretaker committee?
The Rivers High Court ruling is flawed and cannot supersede judgments from superior courts. Both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court have upheld the party’s right to manage its internal affairs without judicial interference. The caretaker committee’s legitimacy is firmly grounded in these rulings, rendering the state court’s decision inconsequential.
What are the APC’s prospects in 2027?
The APC is poised for victory in 2027. Unlike the PDP, which is deeply divided, the APC remains unified. The party’s detractors, including Amaechi and his allies, have been marginalized. Their attempts to disrupt the APC’s progress only underscore their inability to regain control.
What are Governor Fubara’s chances of re-election?
Governor Fubara’s prospects are uncertain, particularly given his deteriorating relationship with his political benefactors, led by Wike. If he fails to reconcile with this team soon, his chances of retaining power will diminish significantly. For now, the APC is watching closely, ready to capitalize on the PDP’s internal divisions.
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Will the APC support a Wike-sponsored governorship candidate in 2027?
The APC will field its own candidate in 2027. While Wike may back a candidate from his faction, the APC’s focus remains on securing a decisive victory. Any divisions within the PDP will only bolster the APC’s chances.
