The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new state chairman, marking a fresh chapter in the party’s quest to capture power in the oil-rich state. The election, which took place during a carefully orchestrated state delegate congress in Port Harcourt, saw Okocha elevated from his previous position as Caretaker Committee Chairman to substantive chairman of the opposition party.
The delegate congress, conducted through voice votes under the watchful eye of Dr. Adoye Omalez, who represented the APC’s national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, demonstrated a remarkable show of unity within a party that has often faced internal challenges. The peaceful nature of the proceedings drew particular praise from APC National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, who emphasized that the smooth conduct of the congress served as compelling evidence of the party’s cohesion in Rivers State.
In his impassioned acceptance speech, Okocha didn’t mince words about his ambitious vision for the party. Setting a bold tone for his chairmanship, he declared that the APC would decisively challenge the current administration and assume control of the state government by 2027. This declaration comes at a time when the political dynamics in Rivers State are increasingly fluid, with various power blocs realigning their positions.
The newly elected chairman took the opportunity to address skeptics who had doubted the party’s ability to conduct peaceful internal elections. Those who said APC cannot conduct elections lied,” Okocha stated emphatically, adding that the party would not only conduct elections but emerge victorious and assume governance in Rivers State. He particularly emphasized the voluntary nature of delegates’ participation in the congress, noting that “our members came on their own volition. Nobody cajoled anybody to come, nobody bamboozled anybody to come here for the state primary election.”
Beyond local politics, Okocha used his platform to commend President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly highlighting the recent resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery. He portrayed this development as just the beginning of positive changes under the APC-led federal government, noting that similar progress is expected at the Kaduna and Warri refineries following presidential directives.
The congress, which was conducted under the supervision of the state resident electoral Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Alalibo, also saw the election of other key party positions including the Deputy Chairman, State Secretary, Publicity Secretary, State Auditor, women leader, youth leader, and legal advisor. Additionally, zonal leaders were elected for all three senatorial districts of the state, completing a full complement of party leadership.
In outlining his vision for the party’s future, Okocha drew an interesting parallel with national development, stating, “Rome was not built in a day. That the day you plant a seed is not the day you will harvest it.” He expressed confidence that within less than two years, the party has already begun showing promising signs of progress, both at the national and state levels.
The chairman’s ambitious agenda extends beyond the governorship, as he detailed plans for the APC to secure victories across all levels of government – from the State Assembly to local government areas, and the National Assembly. He also emphasized the party’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid, suggesting a coordinated approach to both state and national political objectives.
The presence and participation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at the congress added an extra layer of legitimacy to the proceedings. Okocha specifically acknowledged this, noting that INEC’s involvement was crucial to the successful conclusion of the electoral process.
This leadership transition comes at a crucial time for the APC in Rivers State, as the party seeks to strengthen its position as the main opposition force while building momentum for the 2027 elections. The unanimous election of Okocha and his executive team suggests a level of internal cohesion that could prove vital in the party’s bid to challenge the current political status quo in Rivers State.
As the APC in Rivers State embarks on this new phase under Okocha’s leadership, the party faces the substantial challenge of translating its renewed unity and ambitious plans into electoral success. The coming months will be crucial as the new chairman and his team begin the work of strengthening the party’s structures and expanding its support base across the state, all while keeping an eye on their ultimate goal of securing victory in the 2027 governorship election.
