The All Progressives Congress chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has highlighted the party’s growing influence in the South-South region, traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party.
With Cross River and Edo states already secured by the APC, the chairman indicated that Rivers State is the next focus for the party in the 2027 governorship election.
He pointed out that under the Buhari administration, the APC successfully gained control of Cross River from the PDP, and with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the party also won Edo State. With two of the six states in the region now under APC control, the chairman expressed confidence that Rivers State would follow suit in the upcoming elections, according to Daily Trust.
The APC chairman also congratulated the newly elected members of the state executive in Rivers. He explained that, traditionally, the inauguration of a state executive is held at the national headquarters in Abuja.
However, in an effort to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence, this time the event was held in Rivers to ensure closer ties between the national and state leaderships. The chairman emphasized the need for unity and collaboration across all levels of the party to foster a more coordinated approach to governance.
In his address to the new state leaders, the APC chairman outlined their duties, including promoting internal democracy, recruiting new members, and strengthening the party in their respective constituencies. He also stressed the importance of maintaining peace within the party and implementing effective conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure its continued growth and success.
He said, “You are from the South-South geo-politcal zone where the zone was dominated by the PDP. But you are fully aware that during the Buhari administration, we were able to take one state, Cross River, from the PDP. And in present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, we were able to win squarely in Edo State. Out of six states in the zone, we have recovered two. Rivers State is our target. Rivers, we are here for you. Rivers, you are on the way.
“I’ll like to congratulate the newly elected members of our state executive. Traditionally in APC the inauguration of a state chapter is usually done at the state headquarters of the APC in Abuja. But as part of the change that we are introducing, we decided to inaugurate this elected executive members here in Rivers so that our party is rooted to the grassroots; so that there is no dichotomy between the national executive and the state exco.
“We are all working together and we don’t feel reluctant even to go to the ward level and undertake our function that is for APC. Therefore the state is our constituency. We need to embrace the state. We need to be in contact with the state. We need to be in harmony with the state. We need to synergise with the state and we need to be in love with the state. That is why we are here.
“As members and leaders of our party in the state you know your basic responsibilities, your functions as spelt out by the constitution of our great party. You have to ensure that there is internal democracy. You’re to ensure that you look for new entrants into the party and look for members into the party.
“Use your political dexterity to ensure that our party moves forward. strengthen the party in your constituencies. It is absolutely necessary. It is your responsibility toc ensure that there is peace and you must ensure an effective conflict resolution mechanism. As leaders of the party I believe you are equal to the task.”
