The message from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State to leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was crystal clear: there is no sneaking in through the back door. This warning was issued by Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC in the state, to figures like Uche Secondus, former national chairman of the PDP, and Abiye Sekibo, former minister of transportation.
Okocha made this declaration in Abuja on Friday in response to a media briefing held by some PDP leaders who had openly expressed their support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sim Fubara.
Characterizing the group led by Sekibo as troublemakers, Okocha suggested that instead of acting as informants and underminers, they should focus on addressing the issues at hand in a constructive manner.
While affirming the APC’s willingness to welcome new members from other parties, Okocha stressed that any such transition must be carried out following proper legal procedures, as mandated by the national leadership of the APC.
Regarding the recent endorsement of the President during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Okocha remarked, “Those who suddenly profess admiration for the President should do so formally within the established protocols for joining a new party, rather than resorting to coercion and manipulation.”
He emphasized, “It is absurd to try to force your way into a house through the window when the door is wide open.”
Okocha also questioned the sincerity of the group’s change of heart, asking, “Have they withdrawn their legal challenges against the President’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis? Will Governor Fubara now heed the President’s directives after their encouragement of defiance?”
Asserting the growing influence of the APC in the state, Okocha challenged Governor Fubara to gauge his popularity by organizing a local government election to test his political standing.