*Wike’s influence towers high; CLO kicks
In a surprising twist ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have aligned to produce consensus chairmanship candidates across the 23 Local Government Areas.
Most nominees are former council chairmen and loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence remains strong despite ongoing political tensions in the state.
However, some factional PDP and APC members have kicked against the process and vowed to boycott the election, saying it is an exercise in “futility.”
Spokesman of the Emeka Bekee-led APC, Darlington Nwauju, insisted that the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, has no constitutional right to constitute an electoral body, stating that only a democratically elected governor has the authority to constitute such board.
He said until the right thing is done, the primaries are a joke and a waste of state resources.
But justifying the coalition of PDP and APC at the primaries, former Obio/Akpor Local Government chairman, George Ariolu, said it is a normal thing for political families to agree on a consensus.
He said, “It is a normal thing to agree on a consensus candidate and it is enshrined in the constitution.
It is a matter of understanding; almost all the parties have such understanding in their constitution. The consensus is to tame acrimony and bitterness. When you have consensus as a family, it brings peace and understanding within the political circle. It is not just us; others do it to avoid political bickering.”
He confirmed that both APC and PDP agreed on the candidates.
He said, “Both PDP and APC came together and agreed on a candidate. Our leader, the Minister of FCT, is PDP but he works with President Bola Tinubu of APC, so we have the political understanding and love among ourselves.
He (Wike) has found love and favour before the President, so the political harmony is important.”
During the Saturday primaries, several candidates emerged across various local government areas (LGAs). In Asari-Toru, Onengiyeofori George was selected under the APC, while Ikwerre produced Charles Wobodo, also of the APC. Emohua saw Chidi Lloyd emerge as the PDP candidate, and Khana chose Thomas Bariere Ariar from the APC. Mbakpone Okpe clinched the APC ticket in Tai, while Akuro Tobin did the same in Okrika. Shedrack Chukwu was nominated by the PDP in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Uchechukwu Obasi secured the APC slot in Omuma. In Degema, Michael Williams was selected under the APC, while Port Harcourt chose Allwell Ihunda of the PDP. Vincent Nemioboka emerged as the APC candidate in Ogu/Bolo, and Owolobi Ofori represented the APC in Abua/Odual. Obio/Akpor saw Gift Worlu emerge under the PDP, and Etche selected Chima Njoku of the APC.
Meanwhile, several reactions have continued to trail the primaries and the proposed August 30 elections. The Rivers State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has threatened to take all necessary legal and democratic steps to halt the planned State Council polls.
However, political observers are watching to see how events unfold in the coming days.
