The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in 20 out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State following Saturday’s council elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
According to the official results announced by the Chairman of RSIEC, Dr. Michael Odey, in Port Harcourt, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured wins in only three LGAs—Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
The outcome marks a significant political shift in the state, where the PDP has traditionally dominated local politics. Notably, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a member of the PDP, suffered a political blow as the APC clinched victory in his own LGA, Opobo-Nkoro.
Dr. Odey noted that the election was keenly contested and generally peaceful, with impressive voter turnout across most polling units.
“The Commission is satisfied with the conduct of the elections and commends all stakeholders, including security agencies and observers, for ensuring a smooth process,” he said.
Political analysts attribute the APC’s overwhelming success to its strategic alliance with loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence remains significant in the state’s political landscape.
The PDP had fielded candidates in only three LGAs, reportedly due to internal party divisions and legal disputes over nomination processes. The APC, in contrast, fielded candidates across the 20 LGAs it eventually won.
The elections, which have sparked renewed tension between the camps of Governor Fubara and Wike, are seen as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the PDP leadership in the state has called for a review of the election process, alleging irregularities in some areas, while RSIEC insists the process was transparent and credible.
As the newly elected chairmen prepare to assume office, attention turns to how this reshaped local government structure will influence governance and political stability in Rivers State.
