PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — As the Saturday, August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State draw near, chairmanship and councillor candidates have emerged across multiple local government areas (LGAs), with a significant number drawn from the political camp of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of the state.
Primaries held across the state on Saturday, August 2, 2025, under the supervision of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which had earlier released the guidelines for the polls.
While some candidates emerged through contested primaries, others were reportedly selected via consensus arrangements, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) factions loyal to Wike.
In Ikwerre LGA, Charles Wobodo clinched the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 out of 65 electronic votes.
Declared winner by returning officer Daniel Michael, Wobodo expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech and pledged “purposeful leadership” if elected.
“You have shown that hard work pays,” Wobodo said.
“My win is for Ikwerre Local Government. I will not betray your trust.”
Many of the declared candidates are former local government chairmen during Wike’s tenure as Governor and long-time political allies.
These include:
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Dr. Chidi Lloyd – Chairmanship candidate, Emuoha LGA
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Dr. Thomas Bariere – Chairmanship candidate, Khana LGA
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Hon. Confidence Dekor – Chairmanship candidate, Gokana LGA
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Mbakpone Okpe – Tai LGA
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Akuro Tobins – Okrika LGA
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Allwell Ihunda – Port Harcourt City LGA
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Onengiyeofori George – Asari-Toru LGA
Additional candidates from the pro-Wike bloc include:
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Shedrack Chukwu – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
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Uchechukwu Obasi – Omuma LGA
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Michael Williams – Degema LGA
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Okechukwu Akara – Oyigbo LGA
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Abinye Blessing Pepple – Bonny LGA
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Vincent Nemioboka – Ogu/Bolo LGA
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Hon. Chima Njoku – Etche LGA
Despite the primaries, the Chief Emeka Beke-led APC faction in Rivers State has rejected the outcomes, particularly within its own party.
Darrington Nwauju, spokesperson for the Beke-led APC, denounced the process, alleging that “unknown persons” had been endorsed in violation of party protocols.
“The APC has clear constitutional procedures for nominating candidates, and gifting out party flags or endorsements to individuals not in our register is unlawful,” Nwauju said.
The party’s internal rift highlights ongoing tension within the APC over Wike’s growing influence and alliances across party lines, especially as loyalists of the former PDP governor now control factions within both dominant political parties.
While candidates have emerged for most LGAs, the nominees for at least eight councils remain unannounced, creating suspense over the remaining slots.
