THE crisis engulfing the Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) took a new turn today, with senior party members withdrawing their endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s governorship election.
Dienye Pepple, the state LP Chairman, had conducted a news conference during which he allegedly proclaimed the party’s support for the PDP candidate, Siminalayi Fubara.
This did not sit well with some LP members, who have been vocal in their displeasure, stating that the Chairman does not speak for the party and may have been swayed by the promise of financial rewards.
This was revealed by the party’s vice governorship candidate during an interview with Channels Television at the party’s campaign office in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The Rivers State LP hierarchy was furious with the former Chairman of the state chapter of the party following his press conference in which he pledged support for the PDP candidate.
The campaign’s deputy governorship candidate, Sam Kinanee, stated that the party was aware of the chairman’s relationship with the PDP.
Confidence Eke, Director General of the LP campaign, stated that rather than being demoralized by the Chairman’s actions, the party has motivated itself to move forward.
He also accused Pepple of harming the party’s presidential campaign.
In a related event, a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has stated that it will support the PDP candidate against Tonye Cole.
Tony Okocha, the faction’s leader, told Channels Television that this was their way of thanking the PDP for their support during the presidential election.
While the political twists and turns in Rivers State have been spectacular, the state’s political situation has not been heard from since the LP National Chairman disbanded the state executive.
