Why APC didn’t field candidates in key LGAs
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State says its decision not to field candidates in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City (Phalga), and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (Onelga) during the recent council elections was intentional—not a sign of weakness.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the caretaker committee of the APC in Rivers, said the move was part of a strategic plan to avoid contesting where the party had no realistic shot at winning.
“Why field candidates where you’re sure of losing? It would’ve been missing the point,” Okocha explained. “We’re contesting elections to win, not just to test the waters.”
“PDP still has a stronghold”
Okocha acknowledged the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in those LGAs, especially in Obio/Akpor where the PDP candidate is a former mayor with strong grassroots support.
He also admitted that “PDP owns this state,” and going head-to-head in certain areas would’ve been politically unwise.
On defections and party building
Okocha confirmed that many APC candidates were former PDP members, but defended the decision, saying the PDP is “in tatters” and the APC has taken the opportunity to “harvest” capable politicians—even if some long-time APC members lost out in the process.
“There are covert and overt ways of doing things,” he added, explaining that many of the defections were handled quietly for strategic reasons.
APC wants Wike on board
In a bold move, Okocha said the APC is actively courting more big names—including Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike—to switch sides.
“We’re calling on Wike to come over to the APC and have peace,” he said. “The time is ripe. Our target is full control of Rivers State.”
