Ganduje: Like Edo, Cross River — APC will take over Rivers from PDP in 2027

• Ganduje urged the 36-member Okocha-led executive to ensure that there is peace within the party ranks in the state.
• The state APC chairman, Okocha, said the party is united in the state and expresses confidence that they will take over the Rivers government House come 2027.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, has unveiled plans to establish Rivers State as a party stronghold by 2027.

Ganduje made this announcement on Saturday while inaugurating Tony Okocha and 22 others as APC executive members in Rivers State.

The APC, according to Ganduje, is gaining traction in a region historically dominated by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He cited the party’s successes in Cross River State during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency and Edo State under President Bola Tinubu as indicators of progress.

“You are from the South-South geo-political zone where the PDP traditionally held sway,” Ganduje said. “However, you are aware that during Buhari’s administration, we successfully captured Cross River State from the PDP.”

“And under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, we emerged victorious in Edo State,” he continued. “Out of six states in the zone, we have reclaimed two. Rivers State is our next target.”

Ganduje urged the new executive members to foster unity, expand the party’s membership, and ensure internal democracy.

“I congratulate the newly elected state executive members,” he said. “Traditionally, APC state chapters are inaugurated at the party’s Abuja headquarters.”

“However, we have introduced a new approach,” Ganduje explained. “We inaugurated the elected executive members here in Rivers to strengthen our grassroots presence.”

Ganduje also emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization and effective conflict resolution.

“We must work together, embracing our state constituency,” he said. “As party leaders, you are aware of your responsibilities and functions as outlined in our party’s constitution.”

“Ensure internal democracy, recruit new members, and promote peace through effective conflict resolution mechanisms,” Ganduje advised. “I believe you are capable of meeting these challenges.”