The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has expressed optimism that the state is on the path to political stability and improved governance, following the recent developments in the state’s political landscape where Governor Siminalyi Fubara withdrew from the Governorship race.

Speaking during an interview, Okocha said the state is already experiencing relative peace and believes the political atmosphere will continue to improve as various stakeholders work towards a common goal.

According to him, Rivers people should expect a new chapter marked by peace, tranquility, infrastructural development and good governance.

“There will be relative peace in the polity. Everybody within our political family will be on board, and Rivers State will begin to experience good governance again,” he said.

Okocha maintained that the emerging coalition being championed by his political camp and headed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,would provide the leadership required to move the state forward, describing it as the political structure that would ultimately take the driver’s seat in the affairs of the state.

He dismissed suggestions that opposition political parties could pose a serious challenge to the coalition, insisting that no formidable political force currently exists to derail its plans.

“What you will witness is what I call the bigger political force absorbing the smaller ones. I have not seen any strong political hands that can contend with the moving train we have,” he stated.

While acknowledging that other political groups are also mobilising ahead of future elections, the APC chairman said his party and its allies were equally perfecting their strategies.

“We are putting finishing touches to our plans and ensuring that no stone is left unturned,” he added.

On the issue of who will eventually emerge as the coalition’s governorship candidate, Okocha said no final decision has been taken, stressing that the process would be determined collectively by members of the coalition.

He disclosed that the coalition currently comprises the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the Action Alliance (AA), noting that discussions are ongoing with two additional political parties interested in joining the alliance.

According to him, the coalition will assess the strengths, political value and electoral advantages of all prospective candidates before arriving at a consensus on who to support.

“We have not decided who will fly the coalition’s governorship ticket. At the appropriate time, all the parties will sit together, evaluate the possibilities and support the candidate with the greatest advantage,” Okocha said.

He added that with more political parties are indicating interest in joining the coalition, the alliance could expand from the current four parties to six or seven before final decisions are taken.