Rivers State Local Government Elections: Wike’s Influence Dominates Candidate Selection
The political landscape in Rivers State is gearing up for the local government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025. Following the release of guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), political parties conducted their primaries across the state, revealing a strong influence of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on the selection of candidates. While some candidates emerged through conventional primary elections, others were chosen through consensus arrangements, a process that has raised some eyebrows. Interestingly, the candidates who emerged hail from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), but share a common thread – loyalty to Wike. This cross-party influence underscores Wike’s enduring political clout in Rivers State, suggesting his continued engagement in local politics despite his current federal role.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo secured the APC chairmanship ticket with a resounding victory, garnering 64 out of 65 votes cast in the primary election. Declared the winner by Returning Officer Daniel Michael, Wobodo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and pledged to provide effective leadership if elected. He emphasized his commitment to serving the interests of Ikwerre LGA, promising unity and progress under his leadership. This victory further solidifies Wike’s influence, given Wobodo’s perceived alignment with the former governor.
However, the emergence of these candidates has not been without controversy. A faction of the APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, has disavowed the endorsements, labeling them unauthorized. Party spokesperson Darrington Nwauju emphasized the party’s constitutional procedures for conducting primaries, which he argued were not followed in these instances. He questioned the legitimacy of candidates whose identities are allegedly unknown to the party or whose names are absent from the party register. This internal dissent within the APC highlights the potential for post-primary disputes and underscores the complexities of the political dynamics in Rivers State.
Despite the controversy, a significant number of candidates with ties to Wike have emerged across various local government areas. These include Dr. Chidi Liyod for Emuoha LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere for Khana LGA, and Hon. Confidence Dekor for Gokana LGA. Other notable figures include Mbakpone Okpe for Tai LGA, Akuro Tobins for Port Harcourt City LGA, Allwell Ihunda for Asari Toru LGA, and Onengiyeofori George, among others. Notably, these individuals previously served as local government chairmen during Wike’s tenure as governor, further solidifying his influence on the upcoming elections.
The list of Wike-aligned candidates extends further to include Uchechukwu Obasi for Omuma LGA, Michael Williams for Degema LGA, Okechukwu Akara for Oyigbo LGA, Abinye Blessing Pepple for Bonny LGA, Vincent Nemioboka for Ogu/Bolo, and Hon. Chima Njoku for Etche LGA. The consistent pattern of Wike’s influence across multiple LGAs suggests a strategic effort to maintain control over local governance in Rivers State. The selection of familiar faces who served under his governorship reinforces this notion.
The remaining LGAs, for which candidates are yet to be confirmed, present a crucial area of observation. Whether Wike’s influence will extend to these areas as well remains to be seen. The emerging trend of Wike-aligned candidates suggests a potential consolidation of power under his sphere of influence, raising questions about the broader political implications for Rivers State. As the election date approaches, the full extent of Wike’s influence and its potential impact on local governance will become clearer. The internal divisions within the APC, coupled with the dominance of Wike-backed candidates, set the stage for a potentially contentious and closely watched election cycle. The final outcomes could significantly shape the political landscape of Rivers State in the coming years.
