Rivers APC Caretaker Head, Tony Okocha, Prepares To Enter Race For State Chairmanship

Rivers APC Caretaker Head, Tony Okocha, Prepares To Enter Race For State Chairmanship

Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has expressed his intent to pursue the party’s state chairmanship. Okocha known for his alignment with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike—stressed the importance of a dynamic leader to revitalize the APC after the Emeka Beke-led executive was dissolved six months ago…CONTINUE READING…

Before officially joining the race, Okocha noted that he would first consult with his wife for her counsel and approval.

The removal of the Beke-led executive by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in May ignited a legal dispute, with the former executive members challenging the decision in court. Despite a Rivers State High Court ruling in favor of the ousted leadership two months ago, the national APC has upheld Okocha’s caretaker role over the reinstated executive.

Okocha’s leadership has sparked tensions with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his faction within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Recently, Martin Amaewhule and several House of Assembly members announced their defection to the APC under Okocha’s guidance, expanding his influence.

To clarify any uncertainty about Beke’s reinstatement, the NWC released a schedule for the upcoming congresses, as announced by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka. Ward-level congresses are set for November 16, followed by local government congresses on November 23, and the state congress on November 30, 2024.

Having served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Okocha welcomed the timetable, expressing confidence in the consensus-based selection of leaders to advance the party’s agenda.

“Our leadership, from ward to state, will be chosen by consensus,” Okocha remarked. “As of now, I am eligible to contest. If trusted by the system, I will step down from the caretaker role. But my wife, as my confidant, will guide my decision. Rivers APC needs a dynamic leader to make the state truly a ‘Rivers of Possibilities’ and the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation.’ We cannot afford to lag behind.”

On the upcoming congress, he stated, “We are working to ensure a seamless process from the ward level to the state. There will be no protests or court disputes—we’re engaging with stakeholders to ensure a cooperative selection process.”