The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has unanimously elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new chairman during a watershed state delegate congress held in Port Harcourt. The election, which marks a significant turning point for the opposition party, saw Okocha emerge unopposed alongside a full slate of executive officials, signaling a consolidated front as the party positions itself for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
The congress, held under the watchful eyes of national party representatives and electoral officials, transformed from a mere administrative exercise into a powerful statement of party cohesion. Dr. Adoye Omalez, representing the APC’s national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, presided over the voice vote proceedings that elevated Okocha from his previous role as Caretaker Committee Chairman to the position of substantive chairman.
The significance of the peaceful congress was not lost on key party figures, with APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Chief Victor Giadom, particularly emphasizing its importance. In his remarks, Giadom pointed to the orderly conduct of the congress as irrefutable evidence of the party’s unity in Rivers State, a direct challenge to critics who had questioned the APC’s ability to maintain internal cohesion.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Okocha seized the moment to outline an ambitious vision for the party’s future in Rivers State. With characteristic emotional candor, he emphasized the voluntary nature of delegate participation, noting that the strong turnout represented genuine grassroots support rather than coerced attendance. “Nobody cajoled anybody to come, nobody bamboozled anybody to come here for the state primary election,” Okocha declared, underscoring the authentic nature of the party’s unity.
The new chairman’s vision extends beyond mere party politics, encompassing a comprehensive strategy to secure victory across all levels of government in the 2027 elections. Okocha specifically targeted what he termed a “rudderless government” in Rivers State, promising that the APC would provide a compelling alternative for voters seeking change. His ambitious agenda includes securing victories in State Assembly, local government, National Assembly, and gubernatorial races.
In a notable display of political acumen, Okocha connected local party achievements with national progress, particularly highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s recent success in restarting operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery. He characterized this development as merely “the tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that similar achievements at the Kaduna and Warri refineries would follow, demonstrating the APC’s capacity to deliver tangible results at both state and national levels.
The congress itself represented a comprehensive renewal of party leadership, with elections held for key positions including 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, creating a robust leadership structure capable of implementing the party’s strategic objectives.
The presence of Dr. Joseph Alalibo, the state resident electoral Commissioner, added an official stamp of legitimacy to the proceedings. Okocha specifically acknowledged INEC’s role, noting that their supervision was crucial to the successful conclusion of the electoral process and its credibility.
Looking ahead, Okocha employed a metaphor that resonated with delegates, comparing the party’s journey to the building of Rome. The day you plant a seed is not the day you will harvest it,” he noted, emphasizing the need for patient, strategic development while highlighting the progress already made in less than two years of the current national administration.
The congress also served as a platform for the party to reaffirm its support for President Tinubu’s leadership, with Okocha praising the administration’s achievements and pledging to ensure Rivers State’s support for the president’s future electoral ambitions. This alignment of state and national party objectives suggests a coordinated approach to building political influence across multiple levels of government.
As the dust settles on this historic congress, the Rivers State APC appears poised for a new era of unified action under Okocha’s leadership. The challenge now lies in translating this internal cohesion into electoral success, particularly in a state known for its intense political competition. With a clear mandate and a united party behind him, Okocha’s leadership will be crucial in determining whether the APC can indeed achieve its ambitious goal of capturing power in Rivers State come 2027.
