By Emiola Osifeso
The political rivalry in Rivers State has tilted once again in favour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as his loyalists dominated the August 30 local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Announcing results on Sunday, RSIEC declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners in 20 of the 23 local government areas, leaving only three LGs for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ironically, Governor Siminalayi Fubara lost his own LGA, Opobo-Nkoro, to the opposition APC.
The APC secured key councils including Obio/Akpor, home of the FCT minister, as well as Port Harcourt City and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. The PDP’s only victories came in Port Harcourt (Sir Allwell Ihunda), Ogu/Bolo (Vincent Nimieboka), and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (Chukwu Ogbodo).
Despite contesting under different party platforms, both APC and PDP winners are regarded as Wike loyalists, underscoring his continuing influence over the state’s political grassroots.
Among the APC winners are Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada East), Eugene Cheta (Ahoada West), Bob Fubarab (Akuku Toru), Otua Promise (Andoni), George Onengiyeofori (Asari Toru), Pepple Blessing (Bonny), Michael Williams (Degema), Obarilomate Ollor (Eleme), and Lloyd Julius (Emohua). Others include Njoku Chima (Etche), Confidence Deko (Gokana), Wobodo Charles (Ikwerre), Thomas Bariere (Khana), Dr. Gift Wodo (Obio/Akpor), Akuro Tobin (Okrika), Obasi Uchechukwu (Omuma), James A. James (Opobo/Nkoro), Okechukwu Nwogu (Oyigbo), and Okwe Mbakpone (Tai).
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the outcome as “an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.”
In a statement on X, Atiku criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying:
“By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead to conduct local government elections in Rivers State, it is clear that the ruling APC party is not leaving anyone in doubt that it is prepared to throw caution to the wind to achieve an inordinate political advantage.”
He urged Nigerians and the international community to pay close attention to what he described as a dangerous turn for the country, while also calling on opposition parties in Rivers to reject the elections.
“The occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws, with absolutely no legitimacy to undertake such a crucial and sensitive assignment,” he added, expressing solidarity with Rivers people whom he said are victims of “political brigandry by a power cabal.”
The LG polls reflect the deep cracks between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara. Their falling-out began in late 2024 when Fubara allegedly plotted to replace Speaker Martin Amaewhule with his own loyalist in the state House of Assembly. The rift escalated into a full-blown crisis, including the bombing of the Assembly complex, failed impeachment moves against Fubara, and eventually his controversial demolition of the House.
Although Rivers elders describe Wike’s current hold on the state’s political grassroots as temporary, the LG election results show that the FCT minister still wields enormous influence leaving Fubara struggling to assert full control over the political machinery of the state.
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