Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared its landslide victory in Rivers State’s local government elections a sign of greater wins to come in 2027.
At a news conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Rivers APC Chairman Chief Tony Okocha said the outcome—where the party won 20 out of 23 chairmanship seats—showed that the ruling party was on course to capture the state from the opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three seats.
“This victory is only the beginning,” Okocha said. “It has demonstrated our strength and serves as a clear pointer to what Nigerians should expect in 2027.” He stressed that the party would sustain its mobilisation efforts and strengthen alliances across Rivers State and beyond.
Okocha attributed the success to APC’s grassroots outreach and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, whom he expects to run for a second term. He thanked party members for their support and praised electoral officials, security agencies and the media for delivering a smooth and credible process.
Looking ahead, Okocha said the APC would continue to court influential figures such as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and state assembly members to expand its base. He acknowledged the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s expected reinstatement later this month, pledging cooperation while promising constructive criticism of his administration where necessary.
