By Elizabeth Godwin
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has confirmed September 18, 2025, as the date Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to resume office following the expiration of the state of emergency.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Tony Okocha, announced the date at a press conference on Tuesday at the APC secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt. He said Fubara’s return was “no longer a matter of conjecture” and assured that the party was prepared to work with him — provided he does not pursue what he described as “obnoxious policies.”
The development comes months after a fierce political battle between Fubara and the APC, backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, which culminated in the governor’s suspension. Okocha, however, signalled readiness to collaborate, while warning that his camp would resist any policies it considers detrimental to the state.
At the briefing, Okocha also celebrated the APC’s performance in the recent local government elections, where the party won 20 of 23 local government areas, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with three. He described the outcome as “the beginning of a new political era” for the party in Rivers.
“When I took over as caretaker chairman, I promised that the APC would contest elections and win in Rivers. Winning 20 LGAs is no mean feat,” Okocha declared, adding that the party plans to double its numbers ahead of the 2027 elections in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The APC chairman dismissed suggestions of rival factions within the party, insisting his leadership remains the authentic face of the APC in Rivers. He attributed the party’s gains to what he called a “rainbow coalition” of politicians across divides, united in support of the President.
Okocha also praised the peaceful conduct of the local government polls, noting that they were devoid of ballot box snatching, violence, or disruptions. According to him, the turnout of over two million voters reflected strong grassroots participation and growing confidence in the electoral process.
