In a statement, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress advised President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of recent gestures of support by loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting it as a ploy to win his favor.
Former Minister of Transportation and leader of the Rivers chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abiye Sekibo, along with former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus and other party leaders, expressed solidarity for the President and his policies at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Also present were former governorship aspirant Celestine Omehia and former lawmaker Austin Opara, who voiced concerns about the state’s political landscape and urged the President to rein in the actions of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tony Okocha, Chairman of Rivers APC, responded to the press conference in Abuja by labeling the gesture as hypocritical. Okocha highlighted the irony of individuals like Sekibo and Secondus, who had previously criticized the President harshly during the 2023 presidential election campaign, now trying to cozy up to him.
Describing them as cunning and untrustworthy, Okocha cautioned Tinubu about their allegiance to Atiku Abubakar and their past attempts to undermine him and Wike, especially during the last election campaign.
Okocha stated, “It is clear that the individuals at that gathering are still loyal to Atiku Abubakar and have identified themselves as key figures in Atiku’s 2023 Presidential Campaign in Rivers State. Even the banner behind them prominently displayed Atiku’s image and name deliberately and purposefully.
“Their resentment towards Tinubu, Wike, and APC Rivers for their defeat is evident. Hence, anyone associated with their downfall is considered their enemy. Their ulterior motive to exact revenge from the Minister of the FCT is apparent. No reasonable host would welcome a guest sneaking in through the window when the door is wide open. We outrightly reject it.
“The unique events that unfolded in five PDP-controlled states during the 2023 presidential election and its aftermath are known to Nigerians.
“This group of protestors not only campaigned aggressively against Asiwaju but also propagated hateful propaganda against him. They spread false narratives about Tinubu’s health, age, and capacity to lead Nigeria, calling him senile and even claiming he wore diapers.”