Rivers LG Poll: “Fubara’s Actions Are Anti-Party” – Labour Party Chieftain Alleges, Seeks APP Disqualification

Ahead of the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State, Prince Favor Reuben, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), has leveled serious allegations against the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Reuben claims that the APP is selecting candidates without adhering to the legal procedures mandated for the elections, and is calling for the disqualification of its candidates.

Reuben accuses Governor Fubara, alongside his Chief of Staff, Eddison Ehie, and other key figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of playing a central role in orchestrating the APP’s selection process from the Government House in Port Harcourt. He argues that this involvement undermines the integrity of the electoral process and constitutes anti-party activities.

“The governor is selecting APP candidates in the Government House while claiming to be a loyal member of the PDP. This is an anti-party activity, and none of them can now claim moral authority to accuse others of such conduct,” Reuben stated, referencing past criticism from Fubara against 27 PDP lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reuben further alleges that APP did not conduct proper primaries, as required by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), insisting that the APP’s candidates should be disqualified on legal grounds. According to him, the official window for primaries closed on September 5, 2024, and the APP failed to meet these requirements.

He also asserted that the candidates selected within Government House remain members of the PDP, as they have not formally resigned from the party. Reuben is urging RSIEC, led by Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, to ensure a fair and transparent election by disqualifying APP’s candidates.

Reuben’s accusations extend beyond the election process itself. He warned Governor Fubara against supporting the APP, suggesting that such actions mirror the very criticisms the governor has made against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for allegedly sponsoring candidates in other parties.

Additionally, Reuben accused the APP of using intimidation tactics against other political parties and claimed that Governor Fubara has already endorsed all APP candidates for the local government chairmanship and councilor positions.

As the local government elections approach, Reuben called on RSIEC to ensure a free, fair, and credible process, emphasizing that only the Labour Party is fully prepared for the upcoming polls.