“Rivers Will Soon Be Renamed Wike’s State” – APC Chieftain Ojudu Claims
Former presidential aide and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babafemi Ojudu, has criticised recent political developments in Rivers State, describing the situation as a troubling sign for internal party democracy.
Ojudu’s reaction followed the emergence of former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, as the APC governorship candidate for the next Rivers State election.
The development has sparked debate within political circles after Chinda formally joined the APC only weeks after securing the party’s governorship ticket.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, officially announced Chinda’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC during plenary on Tuesday.
Reacting through a statement shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Ojudu questioned the circumstances surrounding Chinda’s emergence as the APC flagbearer.
He argued that political parties are traditionally built on commitment, loyalty and active participation by members who have invested years in strengthening party structures.
Expressing concern over the process, Ojudu said, “Minority Leader of one political party could secure the governorship ticket of the ruling party, and only afterwards, defects to that party. Welcome to Rivers State, a soon to be renamed Wike State”.
The APC chieftain suggested that such developments could weaken confidence in party structures and discourage long-standing members who have remained loyal through difficult periods.
“Traditionally, political parties are expected to be built on loyalty, shared values, ideological commitments, and long-term participation,” Ojudu stated.
“There are usually expectations—formal or informal—that those seeking a party’s ticket would have contributed to its growth, endured its struggles, respected its processes, and identified with its aspirations over time.”
He further questioned the message being sent to party faithful who have spent years building and defending the APC at various levels.
“What then are we witnessing when a politician obtains the ticket of a party before even becoming a member of that party?
“What happens to those who have spent years building the party, funding it, organizing for it, defending it, and remaining loyal through difficult times? What becomes of the principles of membership, party discipline, and internal democracy?” he asked.
The controversy has further intensified discussions over the growing influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers politics.
Chinda is widely regarded as one of the leading figures within the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance comprising influential politicians from different parties who have publicly aligned with and expressed support for President Bola Tinubu.
