The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed a landslide victory in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State, winning 20 out of 23 council areas.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to secure three councils.
The results were officially announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
According to Dr. Odey, 18 political parties took part in the exercise, which he described as peaceful and well-attended by voters across the state.
“The people of Rivers came out in large numbers and voted peacefully. We commend everyone for conducting themselves responsibly,” he said.
The APC performed strongly across most parts of the state, securing wins in key local government areas such as Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Gokana, Khana, and Ikwerre, among others.
Notable APC wins include:
Khana LGA: Bariere Thomas — 156,027 votes
Emohua: Chidi Julius Lyord — 115,380 votes
Gokana: Confidence Deekor — 96,478 votes
Oyigbo: Okechukwu Akara — 101,495 votes
Eleme: Obari Ollie — 77,452 votes
In total, APC candidates emerged victorious in the following LGAs: Abua-Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Ogu Bolo, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai.
The PDP, which had traditionally held a strong grip on local politics in the state, managed to hold onto three councils: Obio-Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt City.
These victories were significant in terms of vote count:
Obio-Akpor: Gift Worlu — 328,823 votes
Port Harcourt City: Allwell Ihunda — 235,054 votes
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Shedrack Chuku — 51,051 votes
Observers say the PDP’s wins were expected in these urban strongholds, particularly Obio-Akpor, which is home to several key political figures.
Voters described the polls as peaceful and orderly, with many expressing appreciation for the chance to participate.
Among those who cast their votes was FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, who voted in his Rumuepirikom polling unit in Obio/Akpor LGA. He later commended the conduct of the elections.
“It’s important we allow democracy to thrive at the grassroots,” Wike told reporters.
Despite some concerns raised ahead of the elections, there were no reports of violence or widespread irregularities on election day.
