Ahead of the 2027 general election, the South-South Democratic Watchdog (SSDW) has raised an alarm on an alleged attempt to interfere with the internal processes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with regard to who becomes the governorship candidate of the party in Rivers State.
The SSDW, a grassroot pressure group, said it has credible intelligence that some unscrupulous elements have started making moves to influence the APC gubernatorial ticket in Rivers State, with the aim of frustrating the political standing of the incumbent Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
In a press statement released on Monday, the group said that the dastardly plot is being executed by persons close to the corridors of power in Abuja.
According to the group, the plot is being hatched through intermediaries and agents of a serving minister from the state.
The National Secretary, South-South Democratic Watchdog, High Chief Bekwelle Theophilus Owhonda, who signed the statement, disclosed that his group is aware of a recent clandestine meeting said to have taken place between the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye and some elements opposed to the political advancement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“We are aware of alleged inducements, including promises of luxury property in Maitama, Abuja and significant financial offers.
While these claims are deeply concerning, we note with cautious optimism that Dr Ben Nwoye has built a reputation that suggests he will not succumb to such pressures. Nonetheless, this moment demands vigilance, as the eyes of party faithful and the public remain firmly on all key actors.
“We strongly caution against any attempt to reduce respected party leaders to mere tools in a broader agenda that does not serve the collective interest.
“Let it be clearly stated: that Governor Siminalayi Fubara holds the mandate of the people of Rivers State and that mandate stands firm through to 2031. Any attempt, covert or overt, to undermine or steal this mandate will be firmly resisted by the people,” Owhonda said
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the group to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the principles of the APC, warning that the party must not be hijacked by external interests or internal compromise.
“The South-South Democratic Watchdog strongly condemns any attempt to subvert the democratic will of the people and interfere in party affairs through underhanded means.
The integrity of our political system must be protected at all costs,” he said.
Owhonda called on the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain alert and ensure that party officials do not fall prey to inducements that could undermine the integrity of the ruling party.
