Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed confidence that Rivers State will soon transition into an APC stronghold. This statement came during a gathering in Abuja, where he welcomed Dr. Dawari Ibietela George, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), back into the APC.
Rebuilding and Strengthening the Party
Ganduje emphasized the necessity of rebuilding and repositioning the APC in Rivers State. The discussions focused on enhancing the party as a platform to better serve the citizens of the state and Nigeria at large. He highlighted the need for the party to embrace a wider array of interests and ensure justice within its ranks.
He referred to George as a “big fish” and a skilled politician, indicating that his return to the party would significantly contribute to the APC’s efforts to establish a stronger presence in Rivers State. “Rivers State will be completely APC,” Ganduje declared, outlining his optimistic vision for the party’s future in the region.
Inclusive Party Structure
In his remarks, Ganduje assured that a comprehensive party structure would be established in Rivers State to support George and other returning members. “You are now equal members with other members of the party. We are bent on widening democracy in the country,” he added, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity within the APC.
The event was attended by various party leaders, including members of the National Working Committee of the APC and former colleagues of Dr. George in the House of Representatives. They gathered to celebrate George’s return and to discuss strategies for reclaiming Rivers State from the opposition.
Acknowledgment of Action Alliance Leadership
Before his return to the APC, George made a courtesy visit to Chief Ken Udeze, the National Chairman of the Action Alliance, where he expressed his gratitude and outlined his decision to rejoin the APC.
This strategic move by Ganduje and the APC leadership aims to galvanize support in Rivers State, leveraging the political experience of prominent figures like Dr. George to strengthen the party’s foothold in the region.