In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

This resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly members.

However, Wike now believes that the conduct of the local government elections in the state marks a significant step toward lifting the emergency rule.

Speaking after casting his vote on Saturday in Rumepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007, Obio/Akpo LGA, Wike expressed confidence that the elections would pave the way for normal governance to resume.

He stated, “Now that these elections have been held, the path is clear for the emergency rule to be lifted. This means the local government and state government can return to their regular roles and we can move forward.”

The former governor, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), added, “The state of emergency will expire on September 18, and with that, both the state governor and the assembly will return to their duties. The grassroots government will be restored.”

He also praised the peaceful nature of the election, dismissing concerns about voter apathy or violence.

“People are actively participating in the elections, and there have been no reports of violence or ballot box snatching. The electoral materials are in place, and voters are casting their ballots peacefully.”

Although Wike acknowledged a lower voter turnout than expected, he was optimistic that more people would come out as the day progressed.

“The elections have been peaceful and successful. We’re glad to see this process go forward without major disruptions,” he said.

The elections took place six months after the Supreme Court invalidated a previous vote organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

In March, as political tensions between Wike and Fubara escalated, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency.

This move was aimed at restoring order after several failed peace negotiations.

Following the emergency declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator for the state, replacing Fubara, his deputy, and the assembly for a six-month term.

During this time, Wike, Fubara, and key Rivers Assembly members met with President Tinubu in Abuja.

The outcome of that meeting led to the belief that the political crisis in the state had been resolved, setting the stage for the current election and potential end to the emergency rule.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed the growing buzz about former President Goodluck Jonathan’s potential return to the presidential race in 2027.

Despite being urged by his supporters to contest again after his loss in the 2025 elections, the APC remains skeptical about his ability to unseat incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Friday, APC spokesman Mr. Seye Oladejo acknowledged Jonathan’s key role in ensuring a peaceful democratic transition in 2015, which earned him both local and international commendation.

However, Oladejo argued that Nigeria has moved beyond an era defined by nostalgia and sentiment, and that the nation now requires bold and forward-thinking leadership.

He stated: “Good luck alone is not a governance strategy. The future demands strong leadership capable of addressing the current and upcoming challenges.”

Oladejo further criticized Jonathan’s administration (2010-2015), pointing out the structural weaknesses that remain, such as rampant corruption, insecurity, and stagnant economic growth.

He reminded Nigerians that sentimentalism cannot drive necessary reforms, nor can emotional ties fix Nigeria’s challenges like power generation, insecurity, or the decay of the education sector.

Addressing the constitutional issues surrounding Jonathan’s potential candidacy, Oladejo warned that a bid for a third term would invite legal battles and political instability, which Nigeria can ill afford at a time when decisive leadership is required to tackle national issues.

Moreover, the APC believes that Jonathan’s recent engagements with multiple political parties raise doubts about his commitment and vision for the country.

Oladejo noted Jonathan’s involvement with the APC and his absence from the PDP’s rebuilding efforts, suggesting that these actions cast uncertainty on his political intentions.

The APC emphasized its commitment to providing Nigeria with “visionary governance” focused on integrity, innovation, and progress. “The future of Nigeria does not lie in recycled leadership but in fresh, capable leaders who reflect the aspirations of a young, dynamic population,” Oladejo concluded.

The APC urged Nigerians to reject the emotional pull of past leaders and instead focus on electing transformative, accountable leadership as the 2027 elections draw nearer.

Voter turnout has been disappointingly low in several areas of Rivers State as the local government elections continue across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Despite the ongoing election, many polling units have seen few voters show up to cast their ballots.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had assured that all election materials would be distributed and that the polls would be fair and transparent.

A movement restriction was also imposed, running from 6 am to 6 pm in a bid to ensure a smooth electoral process.

However, reports from various locations indicate that while voting began early in some areas, many polling units were sparsely populated.

At several polling stations, including in the Emohua Local Government Area, voting was delayed due to the late arrival of election materials.

In Ward 3, Unit 9, for example, voters were seen standing in small groups, anxiously waiting for the election materials to arrive, while RSIEC officials scrambled to set up the necessary arrangements.

Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the state, including Tai and Akuku Toru LGAs, where only a handful of voters had cast their votes by mid-morning.

As of 9:30 am, some polling units, including those in Emohua and Botem Ward, were still awaiting materials.

In contrast, other areas, such as Abonnema in the Akuku Toru LGA, saw a steady stream of voters, though still far below expectations.

Observers have pointed to various factors contributing to the apathy.

Some residents claimed that previous local elections had little impact on their daily lives.

Others expressed frustration with the prolonged delays in receiving election materials, while some noted that the political climate in the state had led to a general feeling of disillusionment.

Additionally, youth engagement in the election process seemed to be at an all-time low, with many youths either staying away from the polls entirely or engaging in alternative activities like playing football in the streets of Port Harcourt and other localities.

Security around the polling stations has been tight. This move was aimed at preventing any disruptions to the electoral process, but it has done little to ease the anxiety among voters, many of whom were already disenchanted with the system.

Rivers State Electoral Commission Chairman, Michael Odey, assured the public that all efforts were being made to ensure the election proceeds smoothly.

DAILY GAZETTE will continue to monitor the situation.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted rumors suggesting he has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race.

The denial comes after reports surfaced claiming Jonathan had decided against running to maintain Southern unity.

Though Jonathan has not formally announced his candidacy, sources indicate he has already begun consultations in preparation for a potential second term.

The latest twist in the story came on Friday when his cousin, Azibaola Robert, took to his verified Facebook page to dismiss the claim that Jonathan had stepped aside from the race.

Azibaola debunked an article from Newsweek Nigeria that was headlined, “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity.”

He branded the report as false and urged Nigerians to ignore it.

He further clarified that the unnamed “aide” cited in the article as the source of the information did not exist.

While Jonathan has not made an official declaration regarding his candidacy, Azibaola emphasized that the former president has neither confirmed nor ruled out his intention to run.

He also stated that Jonathan would not give in to pressure from those advising him against contesting, attributing their stance to “selfish motives” without offering specifics on what those motives might be.