The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers State has denied allegations from Labour Party official Prince Favor Reuben that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is selecting the APP’s candidates for the upcoming local government elections on October 5.
Reuben, who is the South-South Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, made the accusation during a press briefing on Monday, September 9, in Port Harcourt.
In response, the APP issued a statement on Tuesday, September 10, urging Reuben to focus on election preparation rather than making unfounded claims. Sunny Wokekoro, the state chairman of APP, described Reuben’s statements as “childish” and “misinformed.”
Wokekoro said, “Reuben’s statement shows a deep misunderstanding of how party administration works. Normally, we wouldn’t dignify such nonsense with a response, but his comments need to be addressed.”
He explained that each political party operates according to its constitution and that the APP has conducted its primaries in line with its rules. “We have followed our party’s constitution for our primaries, and the process is complete,” he added.
Wokekoro challenged Reuben to verify whether he was actually present at the alleged meeting in the government house and to provide evidence of any APP officials being present. He reiterated that Governor Fubara is not a member of APP and thus cannot influence the party’s candidate selections.
The APP chairman stressed that Reuben has no authority to question the party’s internal matters and affirmed that APP remains focused and welcoming to members from other parties.
Wokekoro expressed confidence in the APP’s ability to succeed in all local government areas in the upcoming election and emphasized that the party is following the timetable set by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RESIEC). He also criticized those who, influenced by external factors, lack understanding of party operations.
