There won’t be any internal conflict in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after Senator Magnus Abe defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that Abe’s switch to the SDP came after he failed to secure the APC ticket, leading to a falling out with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Representing the Rivers South East Senatorial District, Abe went on to become the SDP’s nominee for governor in the 2023 election.
He made the following statement to reporters in Port-Harcourt: “My message has been consistent: in order to meet the expectations of our people, we all need to come together and work together.
“In summary, I called my people to this gathering today to inform them about some of the ongoing issues and to inform them that we are returning to the All Progressives Congress. We will join other well-meaning Nigerians in supporting President Tinubu’s administration and will do everything in our power to ensure that the people of Rivers State can participate in the central development and advance the state with our efforts.”
Abe addressed rumors that his action might lead to political instability inside the APC in the state and allayed worries about possible power conflicts within the party.
According to him, he remained friendly with Tony Okocha, the APC’s Chairman of the Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.
“I think it is our collective duty as party members, regardless of the viewpoints we take or do not take, to foster harmony inside the organization.
As everyone is aware, Tony Okocha has been a part of our squad. And it’s okay if, as a result of the national decision, he is now the party’s chairman.
However, we don’t belong to the APC because of any one person. Our membership in the APC stems from our original membership and our grassroots backing of the president.
“And we think it is appropriate that we in the party continue to fully endorse the president’s agenda for development,”
Tony Okocha has been a member of our team since its inception and has been with the APC in this state ever since.
“Every member of the APC ought to have gained some knowledge on how to run the party by now.
“So, we’re prepared to collaborate with every member of the party and are entering with an open mind.
“Anyone who genuinely wants to see the APC succeed should, in my opinion, be prepared to work toward making the party work for everybody.”
