The Edwin Woko-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has firmly rejected recent comments made by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, regarding the 2027 governorship election in the state. Ganduje had stated during the inauguration of the Tony Okocha-led APC state executive in Port Harcourt on Saturday that winning the Rivers State governorship seat is a top priority for the APC in 2027.
In response, Woko emphasized that there is “no vacancy” in Rivers State for the APC in 2027. He assured that the people of the state would ensure that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s second-term bid remains unopposed. Woko also reminded Ganduje that the people of Rivers had already rejected the APC, and that this sentiment would persist due to the party’s policies, which he described as unfriendly to the people.
Woko further expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would contest the 2027 election on the PDP platform, despite internal challenges and what he described as the divisive influence of certain individuals within the party. He also criticized the APC’s tactics, suggesting that the kind of “rape of democracy” seen in Edo State during the last gubernatorial election would not be allowed in Rivers, insisting that elections must be decided through voting, not manipulation.
Woko, who emerged as the factional chairman of the PDP in Rivers State following the expiration of the tenure of the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led executive, also addressed the ongoing legal disputes regarding party leadership. Woko and his associates have challenged the legitimacy of the PDP executive under Chukwuemeka, claiming that the congress that produced the leadership was conducted in violation of a court order.
