As preparations intensify for the August 30, 2025 local government elections in Rivers State, a significant number of chairmanship and councillorship candidates across both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have emerged from the political camp of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Over the weekend, major political parties conducted primaries across the state following the release of election guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
While some aspirants clinched their tickets through conventional primaries, others reportedly emerged through consensus arrangements.
Many of the selected candidates are known allies of the former Rivers governor and served in key political positions during his tenure.
Notably, Charles Wobodo emerged as the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwerre Local Government Area, securing 64 out of 65 delegate votes during an electronic primary.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer Daniel Michael declared Wobodo the party’s candidate, after which Wobodo expressed gratitude to party stakeholders and pledged accountable leadership.
“You have shown that hard work pays. I assure you my win is for Ikwerre Local Government,” he stated during his acceptance speech.
Other prominent names who secured tickets include:
Dr. Chidi Lloyd (Emuoha LGA – PDP)
Dr. Thomas Bariere (Khana LGA – PDP)
Hon. Confidence Dekor (Gokana LGA – PDP)
Mbakpone Okpe (Tai LGA)
Akuro Tobins (Okrika LGA)
Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City LGA)
Onengiyeofori George (Asari-Toru LGA)
Additional candidates include:
Shedrack Chukwu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA)
Uchechukwu Obasi (Omuma LGA)
Michael Williams (Degema LGA)
Okechukwu Akara (Oyigbo LGA)
Abinye Blessing Pepple (Bonny LGA)
Vincent Nemioboka (Ogu/Bolo LGA)
Hon. Chima Njoku (Etche LGA)
These names are all reportedly aligned with Wike’s political structure.
However, not everyone within the APC is on board.
The faction led by Chief Emeka Beke has openly disavowed the emergence of some candidates, alleging that they were not produced through authorized party procedures.
APC spokesperson Darrington Nwauju emphasized that “Our party has a constitution and clear processes for conducting primaries. We do not recognize endorsements or flag handovers to individuals who are not known members or whose names are missing from the party register.”
As of now, candidates for about eight local government areas are yet to be announced, keeping the political temperature high in the oil-rich state.
