There are indications that some candidates for the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, numbering about 50, have allegedly withdrawn from the polls pledging loyalty to the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Guardian gathered that the candidates from the various political parties under the aegis of All Party Candidates visited the APC Secretariat on Tuesday night and stepped down for candidates of the Okocha-led APC.

The realignment is coming in barely 72 hours before the election. According to the APC chairman, Okocha, the individuals came under the aegis of the Coalition of All Party Candidates and stepped down for APC candidates.

Okocha said, “Over 50 cleared candidates by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who are billed for the August 30 council polls from other political parties, visited our secretariat and announced their withdrawal from the race”

Some insiders attributed the development to further political realignments engineered by Okocha and his close ally, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to push the “Renewed Hope Agenda ” in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although RSIEC and the candidates have yet to confirm the claim, as no party was specifically mentioned, The Guardian sighted photos of some persons during the night meeting on Tuesday.

However, APC sources said the electoral body has been notified.