Rivers State Local Government Elections: Wike’s Allies Dominate PDP Primaries
The political landscape in Rivers State is gearing up for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025. Preliminary primaries conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have revealed a significant trend: a strong showing by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, within the PDP. While eight local government areas (LGAs) are still awaiting confirmation of their candidates, the majority of the PDP nominations reflect Wike’s continued influence in the state’s political arena. This dominance is particularly evident in the selection of former local government chairmen who served during Wike’s tenure as Rivers State Governor, now emerging as candidates for various LGAs under the PDP banner. This suggests a strategic consolidation of power and influence by Wike, even after leaving the governorship.
The list of Wike’s allies who have secured PDP chairmanship nominations includes prominent figures such as Dr Chidi Liyod for Emuoha LGA, Dr Thomas Bariere for Khana LGA, and Confidence Dekor for Gokana LGA. Other key figures from Wike’s era as governor who have emerged as PDP candidates include Mbakpone Okpe for Tai LGA, Akuro Tobins for Okrika LGA, Allwell Ihunda for Port Harcourt City LGA, and Onengiyeofori George for Asari Toru LGA. This trend continues with Akuro Tobin in Okrika, Shedrack Chukwu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Uchechukwu Obasi in Omuma LGA, Michael Williams in Degema LGA, Okechukwu Akara in Oyigbo LGA, Abinye Pepple in Bonny LGA, Vincent Nemioboka in Ogu/Bolo, and Chima Njoku in Etche LGA. The sheer number of Wike-aligned candidates highlights his significant influence within the PDP and underscores his continued engagement in Rivers State politics.
While the PDP primaries showcased Wike’s enduring influence, the APC also held its primaries, notably in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Charles Wobodo emerged victorious, securing the APC chairmanship candidacy with a resounding majority. Wobodo’s success underscores the competitive nature of local politics in Rivers State, even in the face of the PDP’s dominance. His acceptance speech emphasized unity and progress, signaling a focus on local issues and development.
However, a distinct divide within the APC has emerged. The Emeka Beke-led faction has distanced itself from certain endorsements, alleging irregularities and unauthorized declarations of candidacy. This internal conflict within the APC further complicates the electoral landscape, raising questions about the legitimacy of some candidacies and potentially impacting the party’s overall performance in the upcoming elections. The spokesperson for the Beke-led faction, Darrington Nwauju, emphasized the party’s constitution and procedures, highlighting the need for adherence to established norms and processes for candidate selection.
The upcoming local government elections in Rivers State are shaping up to be a significant political event, marked by the continuing influence of Nyesom Wike within the PDP. The emergence of his allies as candidates signals a potential consolidation of power within the party. Meanwhile, the APC is grappling with internal divisions, which may impact its ability to effectively challenge the PDP’s dominance. The remaining eight LGAs, where candidates are yet to be confirmed, will be crucial in determining the final balance of power in the local government councils.
The elections will likely be a test of Wike’s enduring influence, the APC’s ability to overcome internal divisions, and the overall political dynamics in Rivers State. The outcome will significantly impact local governance and development, setting the stage for future political contests in the state. The contest for the remaining LGA nominations will be closely watched, as will the campaigns leading up to the August 30th election. The results will provide valuable insight into the evolving political landscape of Rivers State.
