The Director General of the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Forum, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, has officially announced his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Bonny Local Government Area.
The declaration was made during a visit to a founding leader of the APC at the Presidential Villa.
The announcement follows appeals from party stakeholders and members of the 2023 Campaign Council for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to enter the race.
His move comes amid reports that the Tony Okocha-led faction of the APC in Rivers State has allegedly partnered with the Peoples Democratic Party to field consensus candidates across all 24 local government areas. The alliance reportedly stems from legal disputes surrounding Okocha’s legitimacy as APC chairman in the state.
In contrast, the faction led by Emeka Beke is pushing for formal recognition from the APC National Working Committee.
During a visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Beke appealed to the newly elected APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to acknowledge him as the party’s authentic leader in Rivers State. He also disclosed that the sale of nomination forms would commence on Friday, reaffirming the party’s commitment to participating in the August 30 local government elections.
During his declaration, Ambassador Fubara reiterated his confidence in the APC’s growing influence, particularly in Bonny. He asserted that the party would not be cowed into ceding political ground to the PDP.
“I have consulted widely with APC stakeholders within Rivers State and beyond. My ambition is rooted in a genuine desire to elevate Bonny to its rightful place,” Fubara stated.
He explained that his candidacy was motivated by consistent appeals from his constituents and party stakeholders, who believe Bonny requires a change in leadership after years of stagnation.
“The APC has come a long way in Bonny and in Rivers State. We cannot allow our efforts to be wasted by compromised stakeholders determined to weaken the party,” he said.
“We have paid our dues in this party. We have built solid grassroots support and are confident of victory in this election. Our aim is to consolidate our gains and position the APC for a resounding victory in 2027 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
Ambassador Fubara has remained a consistent member of the APC and has previously contested elections under the party’s banner. His political journey includes bids for councilorship and chairmanship of Bonny Local Government Area in 2011 and 2014, respectively, as well as the Rivers State House of Assembly seat for Bonny Constituency in 2019.
