Politics
APC dominates rivers LG polls, secures 20 chairmanship seats
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
31 Aug 2025 02:17 PM
Port Harcourt, Rivers – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has achieved a landslide victory in the Rivers State local government elections held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, clinching chairmanship positions in 20 out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced the results on Sunday, with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) securing the remaining three chairmanship seats.
According to RSIEC Chairman, Michael Ekpai Odey, the elections were conducted seamlessly across the state's 23 LGAs, with the APC dominating in key areas such as Ahoada East (84,125 votes), Akuku Toru (63,593 votes), Andoni (126,181 votes), Asari Toru (56,383 votes), Bonny (13,543 votes), Degema (61,536 votes), and Etche (100,649 votes). The PDP, which has historically held a stronghold in Rivers State, managed to win in three LGAs, though specific details on these areas were not disclosed in the final results announcement.
The APC's sweeping victory is attributed to its strategic campaign and the leadership of its state chairman, Tony Okocha, who described the election process as well-organized and a significant improvement over previous polls. Okocha, speaking after casting his vote in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA, downplayed concerns about voter apathy, noting it as a common feature in Nigerian elections. He urged the newly elected chairmen to prioritize people-oriented governance, focusing on infrastructural development and service delivery.
The elections, held under a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, sparked controversy, with critics questioning the legitimacy of conducting polls under a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Despite legal challenges from a faction of the APC led by Emeka Beke, which sought to halt the elections, the RSIEC proceeded with the polls, citing compliance with revised electoral guidelines.
Notably, the APC candidates, many of whom are loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, included former PDP members who emerged as APC chairmanship candidates in 12 LGAs, such as Asari Toru, Ikwerre, and Khana. This crossover, coupled with the withdrawal of over 50 candidates from other parties in support of the APC, bolstered the party's dominance.
The PDP, despite fielding only three chairmanship candidates, maintained a presence in the elections but could not replicate its historical grassroots dominance. The absence of key figures, including suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists, was notable during the polls, signaling internal rifts within the party.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, enforced a movement restriction from midnight to 6 PM on election day to ensure security, with reports indicating a largely peaceful process despite the political tensions.
The APC's victory is seen as a significant shift in Rivers State's political landscape, particularly as the state approaches the end of the six-month emergency rule.
Political analysts suggest this outcome could influence future alignments, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. APC leaders, including Obinna Ekem of the Ikwerre LGA Campaign Organisation, expressed confidence in consolidating this win to strengthen the party’s position in the state.
As collation for councillorship results continues, the APC's dominant performance underscores its growing influence in Rivers State, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering in the oil-rich region.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced the results on Sunday, with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) securing the remaining three chairmanship seats.
According to RSIEC Chairman, Michael Ekpai Odey, the elections were conducted seamlessly across the state's 23 LGAs, with the APC dominating in key areas such as Ahoada East (84,125 votes), Akuku Toru (63,593 votes), Andoni (126,181 votes), Asari Toru (56,383 votes), Bonny (13,543 votes), Degema (61,536 votes), and Etche (100,649 votes). The PDP, which has historically held a stronghold in Rivers State, managed to win in three LGAs, though specific details on these areas were not disclosed in the final results announcement.
The APC's sweeping victory is attributed to its strategic campaign and the leadership of its state chairman, Tony Okocha, who described the election process as well-organized and a significant improvement over previous polls. Okocha, speaking after casting his vote in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA, downplayed concerns about voter apathy, noting it as a common feature in Nigerian elections. He urged the newly elected chairmen to prioritize people-oriented governance, focusing on infrastructural development and service delivery.
The elections, held under a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, sparked controversy, with critics questioning the legitimacy of conducting polls under a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Despite legal challenges from a faction of the APC led by Emeka Beke, which sought to halt the elections, the RSIEC proceeded with the polls, citing compliance with revised electoral guidelines.
Notably, the APC candidates, many of whom are loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, included former PDP members who emerged as APC chairmanship candidates in 12 LGAs, such as Asari Toru, Ikwerre, and Khana. This crossover, coupled with the withdrawal of over 50 candidates from other parties in support of the APC, bolstered the party's dominance.
The PDP, despite fielding only three chairmanship candidates, maintained a presence in the elections but could not replicate its historical grassroots dominance. The absence of key figures, including suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists, was notable during the polls, signaling internal rifts within the party.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, enforced a movement restriction from midnight to 6 PM on election day to ensure security, with reports indicating a largely peaceful process despite the political tensions.
The APC's victory is seen as a significant shift in Rivers State's political landscape, particularly as the state approaches the end of the six-month emergency rule.
Political analysts suggest this outcome could influence future alignments, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. APC leaders, including Obinna Ekem of the Ikwerre LGA Campaign Organisation, expressed confidence in consolidating this win to strengthen the party’s position in the state.
As collation for councillorship results continues, the APC's dominant performance underscores its growing influence in Rivers State, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering in the oil-rich region.
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