Troubling Signs For PDP/APC:  Why Rivers Residents Are Queuing Behind Magnus Abe In Droves

Troubling Signs For PDP/APC:  Why Rivers Residents Are Queuing Behind Magnus Abe In Droves

* SDP is gaining new members, particularly in the suburbs.

A major political shift is currently taking place in Rivers State, with thousands of residents from the oil-rich Niger Delta State flocking to the SDP in support of Senator Magnus Abe’s gubernatorial ambition.

A significant portion of the APC and PDP’s voter base in the State appears to have finally screwed up so badly that they are abandoning the parties in massive numbers. According to a recent poll, voters’ support for both parties has significantly decreased over the past three months. If this trend persists, it may have effects that go beyond the upcoming general elections.

It is observed that even in Port Harcourt, Okrika, Gokana, Khana up to Bonny, Degema, Ahoada east and west and other areas of Rivers State the Israelite movement is very noticeable.

Nearly five months before the gubernatorial election, the PDP is still unable to resolve the ambiguity surrounding Siminalaye Fubara, its governorship candidate.

Due to an alleged ongoing dispute with the EFCC, Fubara, a former accountant general of Rivers State, is rumoured to be holed up in the Rivers State Government House and is unable to leave, not even for political campaigns.

Fubara’s credibility is a persistent problem, and the ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the PDP NWC and its presidential candidate isn’t helping either.

Although some swing voters have attributed the movement to the long-standing popularity of the SDP candidate, Sen Magnus Abe, who they say has demonstrated his leadership qualities over the years, they also believe Rivers State would benefit from Magnus Abe’s experience and capability.

A middle-aged man simply identified as Alfred, who lives in Okrika, a Rivers State suburb, says he had no choice but to join the SDP because it is the best alternative party to save the state in the upcoming governorship election.

He claims to have defected from the APC in the aftermath of the party’s primaries and the imposition of Tonye Cole, whom he labels a lackey of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi. According to him, the PDP was not an option because its governorship candidate is shrouded in secrecy and has questionable financial records, making him untrustworthy with Rivers State’s resources.

While the SDP has offered few policy solutions of their own, Magnus Abe has been working hard to exploit the shortcomings of the PDP and APC.

His street credibility is growing by the day, and most locals credit it not only to his humanitarian work, but also to his availability, which they claim puts him ahead of the PDP and APC’s Gubernatorial candidates.

According to Abiye George. ‘In Rivers, the APC and PDP are woefully out of touch with the populace, which is why voters are flocking to the SDP in droves,’ he told reporters.

“We know Abe from the struggle of Odili’s administration to the present day; his services to Rivers State are indelible and will last more than a generation; he deserves the Governorship.”

Magnus Abe is well-known to most clans in Rivers because of his long-standing ability to blend in with the local communities, SMA has a very commendable structure spread across the State.

Additionally, the SDP has made progress in places like Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Omuma. The coming weeks will provide a clearer picture of what is to come.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah.

Source iReporteronline.