Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has emphasized the party’s intention to continue constructively criticizing the government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja on Sunday, Okocha articulated the APC’s role as a vibrant opposition dedicated to representing the interests of the state’s residents.
“Our position as a vibrant opposition in Rivers is, first and foremost, to speak for the voiceless in society through constructive criticisms and highlight areas that require attention from the state government,” Okocha stated. He noted that this approach would help to “demarket” Governor Fubara and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Okocha further asserted that it would be counterproductive for the APC to applaud the PDP government, as doing so would hinder the party’s ability to win future elections in Rivers. He criticized the previous structure of the APC in the state, describing it as a “social club” under the leadership of former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who he claimed had “customized and colonized” the party.
Looking ahead, Okocha expressed the APC’s goal of weakening the ruling party and other opposition groups to enhance its chances in the upcoming 2027 general elections. “We can’t allow them to be strong; we will not close our eyes and watch them become united,” he cautioned, referencing the Labour Party’s strong showing with Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Okocha reiterated the importance of maintaining a critical stance to ensure the APC’s competitiveness in the political landscape of Rivers State.