Ganduje Urges Patience as Rivers APC Faces Factional Crisis

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for calm and patience as the party grapples with internal divisions in Rivers state. Speaking during a meeting with APC stakeholders from Rivers on Thursday, Ganduje acknowledged the significance of Rivers state in Nigerian politics due to its abundant oil resources and large population.

Highlighting the long-standing turmoil within the Rivers chapter of the party, Ganduje stated, “Our party in Rivers is highly factionalized; that is the fact about it. Our party in Rivers was killed by litigations, that one is a fact.” He also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the party’s electoral success in national elections, despite losing the state in the 2023 election.

Ganduje urged party members not to exacerbate the situation further and emphasized the need for a structured and organized approach to resolving the crisis. He stated, “We are focused, we are organized, we work scientifically in politics. Therefore, you give us an enabling environment, give us a chance so that we can put a round peg in a round hole, a square peg in a square hole so that we maintain our dignity as a party.”

Addressing the path forward, Ganduje mentioned that the APC National Committee (NWC) would establish a leadership team tasked with reconciling the warring factions within the state for the benefit of all party members. He cautioned against overheating the political atmosphere, as it could lead to further litigation, potentially causing more harm than good.

Tony Okocha, the leader of the visiting delegation, expressed concern over a recent visit by a faction of the state chapter to the party’s national secretariat. He emphasized that those individuals, whom he likened to “watermelons,” were not genuine supporters of the APC in Rivers and had abandoned the party long ago.

Okocha urged the APC national chairman to disregard any other groups or individuals claiming to be APC Rivers stakeholders, especially those who did not support the party during the 2023 general elections. He affirmed that the only legitimate group seeking recognition for their contributions to the party’s success in Rivers state was the one represented by their delegation.