Ahead of August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formed alliance to present consensus chairmanship candidates across the state’s 23 LGAs.
Gatekeepers News reports that many of the chosen candidates are former council chairmen and staunch allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political clout remains strong despite ongoing tensions in the state.
However, not all party members are on board. Factional members from both the APC and PDP have condemned the consensus arrangement, describing the process as illegitimate and vowing to boycott the elections. They argue that the entire exercise is futile.
Darlington Nwauju, spokesperson for the Emeka Bekee-led faction of the APC, criticized the legality of the electoral process.
He stated that the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, lacks the constitutional authority to form an electoral commission.
Nwauju emphasised that only a democratically elected governor has the power to do so. He dismissed the primaries as unserious and a misuse of public funds.
Defending the APC-PDP collaboration, former Obio/Akpor Council Chairman George Ariolu described the consensus approach as a constitutional and common political practice aimed at minimizing internal conflict and fostering unity.
During Saturday’s primaries, several candidates emerged from both parties. In Asari-Toru, Onengiyeofori George was nominated under APC; Charles Wobodo (Ikwerre, APC); Chidi Lloyd (Emohua, PDP); Thomas Bariere Ariar (Khana, APC); Mbakpone Okpe (Tai, APC); Akuro Tobin (Okrika, APC); Shedrack Chukwu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, PDP); Uchechukwu Obasi (Omuma, APC); Michael Williams (Degema, APC); Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt, PDP); Vincent Nemioboka (Ogu/Bolo, APC); Owolobi Ofori (Abua/Odual, APC); Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor, PDP); and Chima Njoku (Etche, APC).
The primaries and planned elections have sparked mixed reactions. The Rivers State branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has threatened to pursue all legal and democratic avenues to halt the elections, citing concerns over due process.
