Rivers APC pledges cooperation with suspended Gov Fubara upon return

…Warns against ‘obnoxious policies’ as party celebrates LG victories

Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

Chief Tony Okocha, factional leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has pledged that the party will work with suspended Governor Sir Siminilaiyi Fubara when he returns to office next month.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Okocha said the APC would cooperate with Fubara while retaining its role as a strong opposition force, following the party’s sweeping victory in last Saturday’s local government elections where it secured 20 out of 23 council areas.

“The governor who was suspended will return to office on 18 September. APC will work with him when he returns,” Okocha said. “This cooperation will not stop us from criticising him when he errs. Our council chairmen will engage constructively but will not endorse any harmful policies.”

Okocha warned that his faction would push back against any measures it deemed “obnoxious,” stressing the party’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Rivers residents. His comments come months after Fubara’s suspension during internal political wrangling, with former governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike emerging as a central power broker.

The Rivers APC chairman hailed the local government poll results as a turning point for the party. “When I assumed office as caretaker committee chairman, I promised that APC would contest elections and win in Rivers. Securing 20 LGAs is no mean feat,” he said, noting the party’s ambition to consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Okocha dismissed suggestions of factional splits within the APC, insisting his leadership reflects a united front in the state. He attributed the party’s electoral strength to a “rainbow coalition” of politicians across party lines, rallying behind President Tinubu’s agenda.

He also commended the peaceful nature of the polls, pointing out that there were no reports of ballot box snatching, violence, or disruptions. He said the turnout of over two million voters was evidence of widespread grassroots participation and growing enthusiasm for the APC.