Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Ikwerre APC Signals End of Political Careers for Amaechi and Omehia Post-2027
Ikwerre APC Signals End of Political Careers for Amaechi and Omehia Post-2027
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area has announced plans to retire two prominent former governors, Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia, from active political engagement following the 2027 general elections. Both politicians hail from the Ikwerre region but currently align with opposition forces.
Confidence in Local Government Election Victory
Obinna Ekem, the Director-General of the Ikwerre APC Campaign Organisation for the August 30 local government elections, shared this declaration during the concluding rally held in Omagwa community on Sunday. Ekem expressed strong optimism that the APC would secure sweeping victories across all 13 wards in the upcoming polls, citing positive feedback from local residents as a key indicator of success.
Strategic Focus on 2027 and National Leadership
Beyond the immediate local elections, the Ikwerre APC is already strategizing for the 2027 general elections. Ekem confidently predicted a decisive win for President Bola Tinubu, despite the opposition coalition formed by Amaechi and Omehia. He emphasized that Ikwerre remains a stronghold for the APC, even though it is the home base of these opposition figures.
Reflection on Past Leadership and Future Prospects
Highlighting the party’s historical challenges, Ekem noted that during Amaechi’s leadership tenure within the APC, the party experienced several electoral setbacks. However, since Amaechi’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the APC’s prospects have improved significantly. He attributed previous losses to ineffective leadership and expressed confidence in the party’s renewed direction.
Call for National Political Focus and Local Resolve
Urging President Tinubu to prioritize national political adversaries such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, Ekem assured that the Ikwerre APC would manage local opposition from Amaechi and Omehia effectively. This approach aims to consolidate APC’s dominance at both local and national levels.
Rivers APC Chairman Advocates for Fair Local Elections
Supporting these sentiments, Tony Okocha, the Rivers State APC Chairman endorsed by the party’s national secretariat, appealed to the people of Ikwerre to resist any political party’s attempt to monopolize the forthcoming local government elections. Okocha emphasized that the upcoming polls are expected to be more transparent and credible compared to the October 2024 elections, which were conducted under the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and later invalidated by the Supreme Court.
Contextual Insight: The Importance of Credible Local Elections
Local government elections in Nigeria often serve as a bellwether for broader political trends. The nullification of the 2024 Ikwerre local elections by the Supreme Court underscored the need for improved electoral integrity. With increased scrutiny and reforms, the 2025 polls are anticipated to set a new standard for fairness, potentially influencing voter confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
