ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the deepening crisis within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians with the country’s current political leadership.
Reacting to the wave of withdrawals from the APC governorship primaries in Rivers State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Dr. Dax George-Kelly, the Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, Chukwudi Dimkpa, described the unfolding developments as an internal matter for the APC.
Speaking on Wednesday night, Dimkpa said the situation nevertheless exposes wider dissatisfaction, uncertainty and instability within the nation’s ruling political structure.
“What is currently playing out within the APC in Rivers State is clearly an internal affair of the party,” he said.
“But as keen observers of the political space, we believe it further highlights the growing dissatisfaction, uncertainty and instability within the ruling political structure, both in Rivers State and across the country.”
According to him, opposition parties should not celebrate the APC’s internal troubles, but rather recognise them as signs that Nigerians are searching for a more credible and people-focused political alternative.
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“For us in the ADC, and indeed for other opposition parties, the lesson is not to celebrate the challenges of others, but to recognise that Nigerians are yearning for a credible, stable, people-oriented alternative capable of restoring confidence in governance and democratic leadership,” he stated.
Dimkpa added that Nigerians are becoming increasingly politically conscious and are now paying greater attention to issues such as internal democracy, transparency, sincerity of leadership, inclusiveness and the ability of political parties to manage their affairs responsibly.
He said the current situation presents openings for organised opposition parties that are disciplined and genuinely connected to the aspirations of citizens.
“So yes, developments such as these naturally create political openings for opposition parties, especially those that are organised, disciplined and genuinely connected to the aspirations of the people,” he said.
“But beyond leverage, our focus in ADC is to continue strengthening our structures across the 23 local government areas, mobilising credible leadership and presenting practical solutions that resonate with the everyday realities of Rivers people and Nigerians at large.”
The ADC chairman maintained that Rivers residents are tired of endless political conflicts and are instead demanding purposeful governance, economic direction, improved security, employment opportunities and renewed hope for the future.
He said the ADC remains committed to providing that alternative and called on Rivers people and Nigerians generally to support the party, insisting it is prepared to offer quality leadership.