The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have not merged, contrary to claims on social media.
There were numerous claims on social media on Wednesday claiming that Dr Ken Wobo's APGA in the state had united with the SDP while visiting Senator Magnus Ngei Abe.
However, in a statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state party chairman, Hon. Patrick Dike John-Woke, said that the party had never authorised Wobo to go out and meet with individuals and that APGA and SDP had merged.
According to the statement, Wobo couldn't speak for APGA because he wasn't the party's state chairman or its most important member.
Additionally, it stated that Prince Ugo Beke, its governor candidate, was still running and making strides in his campaign.
In the statement, Wobo was referred to as "an eager hireling of no shame" and all of the group's fans were urged to campaign for their candidate.
It said that the party leaders in the state were law-abiding, orderly people who wished to see Rivers State advance and prosper.
Additionally, it was stated that Wobo and his associates would be powerless to prevent Pince Beke from taking office as governor on March 11.
It says, in part, “The attention of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Rivers state chapter has been drawn to the purported collapse of the party’s structure into the Social Democratic Party (SDP) issued by one Dr Ken Wobo, stating that the state chapter had had an understanding with the SDP hence, the collapse of the structure while, on a visit to Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the gubernatorial candidate of SDP.
“We want to inform our teeming supporters throughout the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers state that at no time did we mandate him to represent the party, visit and make the statement.
“We wish to state that Wobo is neither the chairman nor a top executive of the party and has no mandate to speak, act or visit any party on behalf of APGA.
“Suffice it to state that Wobo is on his own to fill his desire for filthy lucre and to display that he is a willing hireling of no shame. We, therefore, distance ourselves from his infamy and rancorous behaviour.
“Let it be on notice that anybody discussing, and striking a deal with the so-called Wobo is on his own and could be a victim of a scam. Already the party has set up the necessary machinery to expel him and his cohorts.
“We in APGA Rivers state are responsible and committed Rivers people who are concerned about genuine change, progress and prosperity in the state and have reached out to a lot of Rivers people who have shown support to our candidate, Prince Ugo Beke.
“We call on our supporters to go about canvassing for votes for Prince Beke, who, by the grace of God, come March 11, will be the Governor-elect of Rivers State.
“We appeal to them to remain calm.”