The recently concluded Local Government Elections in Rivers State have sparked intense controversies, widespread criticism, and diverse reactions from Nigerians, political groups, and opposition parties.
According to LMSINT MEDIA, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) went ahead with the election despite strong opposition from notable Nigerians, civil society stakeholders, and constitutional advocates. Many observers argued that the poll not only violated provisions of the Nigerian constitution but also ridiculed the essence of democratic practice in the country.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Analysts and citizens, especially from the opposition, described the election as a political strategy designed to hand Rivers State’s political machinery to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and, by extension, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Critics raised concerns that constitutional requirements were ignored, particularly the mandatory notice stipulated by the Electoral Act, which was sidelined in favor of political expediency.
At the conclusion of the contentious process, RSIEC declared that the APC secured victory in 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) while the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to win only three LGAs. The results also showed APC dominance in councillorship elections across 20 LGAs, while PDP candidates were victorious in just three.
This development marks the first time since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 that the APC would dominate Rivers State’s local political structure.
Swearing-In of APC Local Government Chairmen
Following the announcement, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), formally swore in the newly elected chairmen of all 23 LGAs at the Government House. The event came shortly after they received their certificates of return from RSIEC.
Among the declared winners were APC candidates such as Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual LGA), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada East), Eugene Cheta (Ahoada West), Bob Fubarab (Akuku Toru), Otua Promise (Andoni), George Onengiyeofori (Asari Toru), Pepple Blessing (Bonny LGA), Michael Williams (Degema), and Obarilomate Ollor (Eleme LGA).
Others included Lloyd Julius (Emohua), Njoku Chima (Etche), Confidence Deko (Gokana), Wobodo Charles (Ikwerre), Thomas Bariere (Khana), Dr. Gift Wodo (Obio/Akpor), Akuro Tobin (Okrika), Obasi Uchechukwu (Omuma), James A. James (Opobo/Nkoro), Okechukwu Nwogu (Oyigbo), and Okwe Mbakpone (Tai LGA).
The PDP only managed to secure victories through Chukwu Ogbodo (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Vincent Nimieboka (Ogu/Bolo LGA), and Sir Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt).
Despite reports of widespread boycott, RSIEC claimed that more than two million votes were cast—an unusually high figure, considering it far exceeded the number recorded during the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.
Opposition Voices Strong Criticism
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar openly rejected the election, describing it as a “travesty of democracy.” Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he condemned the process as “an awful absurdity” that undermined Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
Atiku further accused the Tinubu-led APC of orchestrating the poll to secure an undue political advantage, noting that the process reflected an “occupation government” willing to disregard due process for power consolidation.
Similarly, Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, labeled the exercise a “democratic scam” that was unconstitutional and strategically planned with the 2027 elections in mind.
Absence of Governor Fubara and His Loyalists
Interestingly, the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, did not participate in the election. His key allies, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, Secretary to the Government Tammy Danagogo, and other loyal political figures, also shunned the exercise.
Additionally, the 23 former LGA chairmen previously removed by the Supreme Court stayed away from the polls.
A political insider revealed to LMSINT MEDIA that the election outcome was part of the earlier reconciliation deal between Wike and Fubara, brokered in the presence of President Tinubu. According to the source, the agreement effectively stripped Fubara of his powers, leaving Wike in full control of the state’s structures.
Analysts React to the Implications
Political commentators such as Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati of Arise TV suggested that Governor Fubara had been pressured into surrendering power. They described the election outcome as evidence of Wike’s dominance and Fubara’s weakened position.
Darlington Nwauju, Publicity Secretary of the APC faction in Rivers State, argued that political loyalty in Rivers is transactional, with most politicians aligning with whoever controls financial resources. He predicted that Wike’s current control may not be permanent, noting that “patronage-based loyalty often expires.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sani Abubakar, a political analyst, described the elections as lacking credibility, transparency, and fairness. He accused Wike of manipulating the process to cement his dominance in Rivers politics, predicting that Governor Fubara’s eventual return would leave him at the mercy of Wike and his political network.
Dr. Abubakar also expressed concern that such manipulations could deepen voter apathy in 2027, as Nigerians lose faith in the credibility of elections.
Future Outlook and Wike’s Consolidation of Power
Observers believe that President Tinubu may see Wike as a reliable ally who has delivered Rivers State into APC’s hands. While Wike still publicly identifies as a PDP member, many argue that his actions serve APC’s interests, especially as he continues to consolidate his influence ahead of 2027.
While some Nigerians hope that the courts will overturn the controversial election results, others doubt the judiciary’s independence, citing previous concerns about corruption and political interference.
Nevertheless, Wike has defended the polls, insisting that they were conducted legally and fairly, and has expressed confidence that the courts will uphold the results.
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