April Polls: ‘Opposition Can’t Challenge PDP’

As the April general elections draw nearer, there are indications that the opposition in Rivers State would have an uphill task contesting positions, particularly governorship with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Prince Tonye Princewill, former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate and leader of the opposition, gave the hint in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.

According to Princewill, currently a member of the PDP, the opposition in the state died with his exit from the ACN early last year, hence ‘ the 2011 polls would be an all PDP affairs in Rivers State”.

Princewill’s stance may be connected to the fact that major key players in the PDP have left the ruling party for others, creating the impression that the opposition itself is in disarray .

Currently, erstwhile governor of the state, Barr Celestine Omehia has pitched tent with All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA) party and is its governorship candidate.

Former Secretary to the State Government under the Peter Odili administration, Dr Abiye Sekibo has also moved to the ACN and will vie for the governorship as well.

Meanwhile, Mr Glory Emeh Glory, former Chief of Staff Government House and former  Secretary to the State Government, Hon Pidomson as well as some former commissioners have all left their former boss for greener pastures in other parties.

While noting that the current scenario in the opposition did not come to him as a surprise, Princewill hinted that it only indicates the strength of the PDP in the state.

This , he said explains why ‘ the people were happy and jubilated last Saturday as the PDP flag was handed over to Amaechi.

Ike Wigodo