The political camp of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been hit by fresh uncertainty following the resignation of the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gbali formally announced his resignation in a letter released on Thursday, stating that his decision takes immediate effect.
The commissioner, who is from Ward 1, Ayama Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area, said the move came after what he described as careful reflection and personal consideration.
“I, Hon. Chisom Gbali, of Ward 1, Ayama Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, hereby formally tender my resignation as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
He expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for the opportunities and experiences he gained during his time in the APC.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for opportunities, relationships, and experiences I gained during my time as a member of the party,” he wrote.
Gbali also reaffirmed his commitment to public service and the development of Rivers State despite his exit from the ruling party.
“I remain committed to the continued service and development of our people and state, and I wish the party well in its future endeavors,” the letter added.
The commissioner also requested that his name be removed from the party’s official membership records and registers.
Political observers see the resignation as a significant development within Governor Fubara’s political structure, especially as Gbali is regarded as one of the prominent youth figures in the state executive council and a loyal supporter of the governor.
Gbali had reportedly joined the APC following Governor Fubara’s political alignment away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making his sudden departure a subject of growing political speculation.
Although the commissioner did not state specific reasons for leaving the party, sources within political circles have linked the move to internal disagreements over party control, candidate selection processes and the integration of loyalists into the APC structure.
Analysts believe the resignation could weaken youth mobilisation efforts within the governor’s political camp, particularly in Oyigbo Local Government Area and neighboring communities where the commissioner is said to enjoy considerable grassroots influence.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Rivers State chapter of the APC nor the Rivers State Government had released any official statement concerning the resignation.
However, associates of the commissioner insisted the decision was personal and taken in consideration of his political future and continued service to the people.
The development adds another layer of uncertainty to the evolving political landscape in Rivers State as key actors continue strategic realignments ahead of future electoral contests.
