The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Rivers State, Chibuike Ikenga, has defended Governor Sim Fubara’s withdrawal from the party’s governorship primaries, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace and development in the state.
Ikenga spoke during an interview on ARISE NEWS while reacting to questions over the political situation in Rivers State and growing concerns about internal democracy within the APC.
He said the governor’s decision followed efforts by political actors in the state to end months of tension and allow governance to move forward.
“We want to agree that the decision taken today is the best in the larger interest of the people for tranquillity, peace and rapid development,” Ikenga said.
Governor Sim Fubara had announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primaries, describing the move as a sacrifice made for peace, stability and unity, and not out of fear or weakness.
During the interview, Ikenga rejected claims that the APC in Rivers State is divided into factions or controlled by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“The governor is a member of our party, and those who were cleared are also members of our party. There are no factions as we speak,” he said.
Ikenga also denied suggestions that Wike influenced the outcome of the screening process in the state.
“The FCT minister is not a member of the APC, though a very serious colossus in Rivers State and Nigeria at large. He does not influence what happens in Rivers State,” he said.
The APC spokesman said several politicians, including the governor, made personal decisions to step aside for what he described as the greater interest of Rivers State.
He also defended the party’s internal process after concerns were raised about fairness in the primaries.
“In APC, we abide by the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of our primaries,” Ikenga said. “Internal party politics and internal democracy is enshrined in our activities.”
The interview comes amid continued political attention on Rivers State following the prolonged power struggle between Fubara and Wike.
Ademide Adebayo
