By Jude Opara, Abuja
Ahead of the August 30 Local Government Area (LGA) election in Rivers state, the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene and take over the sale of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, and conduct of the primaries. The group also warned that failure to act promptly could result in a significant defeat for the party.
The group in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, cautioned that certain individuals were allegedly plotting to deny aspirants the opportunity to contest for the party’s ticket in the upcoming election.
This warning is coming after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) last week released new election guidelines.
The statement, jointly signed by Hon. Chinedu Egbenumolise, Barr. Oby Obiageli Nwufor, Larry Alison, Hon. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Akeem Olapade, Hon. Wilson Dauyegha, Hon. Chucks Nwanodu, Hon. Aminu Mutawalli, and Professor Ali Alao, insisted that only a credible primary conducted by the NWC can guarantee a litigation-free victory for the APC at the election.
TSG noted that the APC has made significant inroads at the grassroots level in Rivers State, and warned that these gains must not be squandered. The group stressed the importance of leveraging the upcoming LG elections to consolidate the party’s presence in the state and set the stage for a potential victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
According to the group, the call became necessary following recent developments in which the Rivers state APC Caretaker Committee, led by Hon. Tony Okocha, allegedly failed to commence the sale of nomination forms—despite RSIEC guidelines scheduling party primaries for Saturday.
TSG accused the Caretaker Committee of attempting to deprive certain stakeholders of the opportunity to obtain forms and contest the election. The group disclosed that several aspirants and their supporters had besieged the APC state secretariat on Tuesday, only to find the offices locked, with no signs of preparedness for the polls.
The statement further expressed concern that allowing the Tony Okocha led Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s preparations could lead to disastrous consequences, because APC candidates may ultimately lose at the tribunal, especially since the party has not appealed a High Court ruling that had previously recognized a faction led by Chief Emeka Beke.
“The Rivers LG poll will be a test for the new National Chairman of our great party as we aim to consolidate ahead of 2027. We cannot afford to waste this opportunity. That is why we, the Tinubu Support Group, are calling on the NWC to take full charge of the sale of forms, screening of candidates, and the conduct of primaries. Time is not on our side.
“The NWC must act now to avoid any form of litigation that could cost APC control of the Rivers State LGs. The party has recorded substantial progress in the state, and now is the time to consolidate. We must not allow those who once mocked our efforts and struggles to enter through the back door, claim APC tickets, and yet continue to identify with other political parties.”
The group concluded that intervention by the NWC would offer all stakeholders within Rivers APC a fair chance to participate, foster inclusivity, and promote unity toward a successful outing at the elections.
