Loyalists to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and members of the Simplified movement nominated for the Local Government elections have been directed to contest under the platform of the All People’s Party (APP).

The Guardian gathered that the decision was taken by the Simplified family, an umbrella body in support of the governor.

The decision is due to the crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the platform through which Governor Fubara was elected but his estranged Godfather and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is apparently in full control of the party’s structure in the State and even at the national level.

By adopting APP, the party is gaining momentum daily and becoming very formidable and popular in the state perhaps due to the governor’s support.

The Local Council election scheduled for October 5, 2024, returned some Caretaker Committee Chairmen inaugurated about three months ago by Fubara as candidates, while others did not return to office.

For instance, the CTC Chairmen from Eleme, Obio-Akpor, Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Tai, Opubo/Nkoro, and Bonny were returned while Ogba/Egbema/Andoni, Andoni, Degema, Go kana Local Council Chairmen amongst others did not secure the returning ticket.

According to a source in the government house, the bases for the return of some CTC Chairmen were based on performance, capacity, loyalty, and zoning. The source said, some of the outgoing chairmen were loyal but couldn’t perform within the time they had to lead.

Also speaking on the Local Council polls, the Labour Party Spokesman in the State, Gogo Wellington, accused the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) of failing to adhere to its promises and assurances about the polls.

He said the Commission ought to have explained the reasons it did not adhere to the stipulated rules and schedules but failed.

He, however, expressed hope to see a free and fair election that will give all parties, and candidates equal opportunities.