Rivers APC to Ganduje: We’ve Lost Track of Casualties Due to Violence Since 2013

•Says FG rewarding PDP members that destroyed party in state 

•Your members will be compensated, Ganduje promises

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, Tonye Cole, has said members had been hit with mindless violence and damage since 2013, when the party was formed, and had lost track of dead bodies and property of members lost to political violence.

Cole made this known when he and Hon. Dakuku Peterside, led leaders of the Rivers State APC to the office of the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, yesterday, in Abuja.

The governorship hopeful, who explained that the party in the state had a unique past and horrific experiences that most Nigerians were familiar with, noted that because of what they had been through, the party in Rivers was one of the most challenged in Nigeria.

While saying they were glad that the time has come to look up to Ganduje for advice, direction, and unity as they tried to rebuild from the ashes of the past, Cole said, “The National Chairman has been respected as a unifying force since you came to power. Your goal fits with what we want most, which is to be stronger by working together towards a common goal.

“Your first steps as National Chairman show that you are a leader with the right personality and vision to get us what we want most. So, we promise to work with you and be completely loyal as you lead the party to total reconciliation, greater understanding, and the development of stronger bonds.”

Responding, the party chairman noted that the national leadership of the party had taken the right way to rebuild APC in the state.

Ganduje said: “There is no doubt Rivers State is a very important state. It is a swing state for election in Nigeria. It is an oil-rich state, which is important not only to the state but to the nation. The population is there and it is important during the election. The enlightenment for people to come out for an election which is important.

“We know how important your state is in politics. So, we assure you, the founding members of APC in Rivers State. We know how much you suffered. We cannot allow your suffering to wither away like that. We will do all our best to protect you. Compensation in politics is very important.

“So, we assure you. We are taking this up for consideration. And I assure you. We have your leadership. The gubernatorial candidate is here. The party chairman and other calibre of members are here.”

The chairman said with the determination of party leaders in the state to rebuild the party, they should keep their doors open and create an even environment so that those that left the party for another could come back.