Chief Tony Okocha, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, recently disclosed that efforts are underway to persuade Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to join APC ranks and bolster the party's influence. In an interview with The Sun, Okocha highlighted ongoing strategies to strengthen APC's position amid local political dynamics, particularly concerning recent developments among local government chairmen aligned with either the People's Democratic Party (PDP) or APC.
Regarding the political allegiance of Martin Amaewhule and his supporters in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Okocha refrained from definitive statements, citing ongoing legal proceedings at the Court of Appeal. He explained his decision not to comment on their party affiliation until the court case is resolved, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal processes and awaiting the court's decision.
Okocha clarified the current status of the recent local government chairmen, asserting that none have claimed membership in APC thus far. Despite this, he expressed optimism about wooing these officials to join APC, viewing them as potential assets to strengthen the party's grassroots presence. He underscored the importance of welcoming defectors who have shown disillusionment with their current political affiliations, suggesting that their experience and influence could benefit APC's organizational goals.
In discussing the outreach efforts towards Martin Amaewhule's faction and potential defectors from the PDP, Okocha emphasized the strategic value of their alignment with APC. He described them as valuable resources whose involvement could enhance APC's political strategy and electoral prospects in Rivers State.
According to him, "It is very clear; there is never a day they claimed membership in APC; never; they have not come close to us, but we are still wooing them. We are wooing them to come and join us because they are going to be a good harvest. They have seen that they have lost interest in the party, and we don’t want them to float; they are materials, so we are wooing them to come and join us just the way we are wooing Wike to join APC to come and strengthen us."