National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has unveiled ambitious plans to capture Rivers State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 gubernatorial election. The declaration came during a politically charged inauguration ceremony for the state working committee in Port Harcourt, signaling escalating tensions in South-South politics.
Ganduje’s bold statement, backed by high-ranking party officials, reveals APC’s strategic push to strengthen its presence in the South-South region. The party aims to increase its state control in the zone to three, viewing Rivers as a crucial piece in its expanding political puzzle.
Victor Giadom, the party’s national South-South vice chairman, reinforced this message during the ceremony, emphasizing the party’s determination to establish dominance in the state. However, the inauguration proceedings occurred against a backdrop of legal uncertainty that could potentially impact the party’s strategic positioning.
The legitimacy of the newly installed executive committee faces significant legal challenges. While the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) recognizes the Tony Okocha-led executive, an existing court judgment acknowledging Emeka Beke as the legitimate state party chairman remains in force. This unresolved legal contradiction creates a complex scenario that could affect the party’s preparations for upcoming electoral contests.
The timing of this power play is particularly significant as it coincides with growing political realignments in Rivers State. Recent developments, including internal conflicts within the ruling PDP, have created what APC perceives as an opportunity to establish a stronger foothold in this traditionally PDP-controlled territory.
The strategic importance of Rivers State cannot be overstated in Nigeria’s political landscape. As one of the country’s major oil-producing states and a significant contributor to national revenue, control of Rivers represents both political and economic advantages that could significantly influence national politics.
Ganduje’s presence at the inauguration ceremony, accompanied by top party officials, demonstrates the national leadership’s commitment to restructuring and strengthening the party’s presence in Rivers State. This high-level involvement suggests a coordinated effort to address past organizational challenges that have hindered the party’s success in the state.
However, the path to achieving this ambitious goal appears fraught with challenges. The unresolved legal issues surrounding party leadership could potentially undermine preparation efforts for the 2027 elections. The existence of parallel leadership structures, if not properly addressed, might weaken the party’s ability to present a united front against the incumbent PDP.
The inauguration ceremony itself served as a platform for the party to showcase its renewed determination and organizational capacity. The newly sworn-in executive committee, despite the legal clouds hanging over their legitimacy, expressed confidence in their ability to lead the party to victory in forthcoming electoral contests.
Looking ahead to 2027, the APC’s strategy appears to focus on building a robust party structure capable of challenging PDP’s longtime dominance in Rivers State. However, success will likely depend on resolving internal conflicts and establishing clear, unified leadership well before the electoral campaign begins in earnest.
The party’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining focus on its strategic objectives will be crucial in determining whether it can realize its ambition of bringing Rivers State into the APC fold. The coming months will be critical as the party works to consolidate its position and build the necessary momentum for 2027.
As political maneuvering intensifies, the situation in Rivers State serves as a microcosm of larger national political dynamics, where party structures, legal frameworks, and personal ambitions intersect in the ongoing struggle for political control. The outcome of this power play could significantly influence the broader political landscape in Nigeria’s South-South region.
