Some Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Action People’s Party (APP). This development comes ahead of the October 5, 2024, local government elections.

The defection follows the alleged hijack of the state PDP structure by Governor Fubara’s predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

It is understood that the lingering misunderstanding between Fubara and Wike has led to a political crisis in the state.

Council chairmen and their supporters loyal to Governor Fubara have now joined the APP in droves. Almost all candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the forthcoming election are now running under the APP platform, with campaigns already underway.

Among the defectors are Ezebunwo Ichemati, current CTC Chairman of Port Harcourt City Council, who has come out to pledge provision of credible leadership if elected as substantive Chairman. Also, Marvin Yobana, CTC Chairman of Khana LGA, and his supporters have formally defected to the APP, introducing Mr. Martins Ibibo as the party’s candidate for the executive chairmanship position.

Rivers APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro on Monday announced that the party would commence senatorial campaigns on September 24, starting with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Bori, Khana LGA. Wokekoro described APP as the party to beat, stating that they aim to change the narrative in the state.

He stated, “The Action People’s Party, Rivers State branch invites you today as partners in progress in changing the ugly narrative of governance in our state.

“To intimate you of our plans to embark on our campaigns under the guidelines provided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

“As you are all aware candidates have emerged and have Successfully gone through RSIEC screening. By tomorrow, Tuesday the 24 of September our party intends to embark on Senatorial campaigns and rallies.”

Despite the defection of his loyalists, Governor Fubara has denied any plans to defect from the PDP.

Recall that during a recent meeting with the PDP Board of Trustees led by Senator Adolphus Wabara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara reaffirmed his membership in the PDP.