Uzodinma Nwafor, the candidate from the Action Alliance (AA), has been officially declared the winner of the chairmanship election in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. The announcement was made by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission, during a statement given in Port Harcourt, the state capital. This victory is notable as the AA also secured all 19 councillor positions within the local government, which highlights a significant win for the party in a region where political dynamics can often lead to multiple parties sharing governance.
In a departure from the typical trend where one party claims all positions, Enebeli provided detailed results regarding the councillor elections, noting that the Abundant Party of People (APP) retained a significant presence by winning 314 seats. Meanwhile, other political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Boot Party each managed to secure one seat in various local government areas, including Okirika, Asari-Toru, Eleme, Degema, and Ahoada West. This indicates a more competitive electoral landscape and potential fragmentation of political power among various parties.
The elections, which took place on Saturday, were noted for their peacefulness, a sentiment echoed by Enebeli during his remarks post-announcement. He expressed approval of the calm atmosphere maintained by voters and attributed the integrity of the electoral process to the resilience and commitment of the electorate. Notably, he suggested that the absence of police protection during the elections proved that “ballot papers in the hands of the electorates are stronger than arms and ammunition,” signaling a positive step towards self-regulation in democratic practices.
In the breakdown of the results, Enebeli confirmed that the APC claimed councilorship in Okirika Ward 3, the Boot Party succeeded in Ahoada-West Ward 8, the Labour Party was awarded the position in Asari-Toru Ward 3, the SDP managed to gain a seat in Eleme Ward 3, and the YPP held a position in Degema Ward 5. These results showcase a varied political landscape where multiple parties are not just contesting but also succeeding in local government contests.
The overall election results reflect a significant shift in the political atmosphere of Rivers State, implying that the electorate’s choices may be evolving and diversifying. The AA’s prominent role in this election could heavily influence the political strategies of other parties in the region, as they vie for influence and control in future elections. The indication that one party can dominate while others still hold seats suggests that voters may prioritize representation over party allegiance, a factor that could reshape political alignments in the state movements.
In conclusion, the recent elections in Etche Local Government Area present a noteworthy case of local governance in Rivers State, advocating for peaceful electoral processes and increased competition among multiple parties. With Uzodinma Nwafor leading the Action Alliance and other parties gaining footholds, the resultant political dynamics could lead to more engagement and responsiveness to the electorate. Moving forward, the effectiveness of this diverse council will likely set the tone for governance in the region, shaping the future landscape of local politics.
