As preparations gear up for the 30 August 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, a substantial number of chairmanship and councillorship candidates from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have emerged from the political camp of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Over the weekend, major political parties held primary elections across the state, following the release of election guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
While several aspirants secured their tickets through standard primaries, others were reportedly selected through consensus arrangements.
Many of those who emerged as candidates are known loyalists of the former Rivers State governor, having previously served in strategic positions during his administration.
One of the most notable outcomes was the emergence of Charles Wobodo as the APC chairmanship candidate for Ikwerre Local Government Area, winning 64 out of 65 delegate votes in an electronic primary.
Announcing the result, Returning Officer Daniel Michael declared Wobodo as the party’s official candidate. In his acceptance speech, Wobodo thanked party stakeholders and promised to deliver transparent and accountable leadership.
“You have shown that hard work pays. I assure you my win is for Ikwerre Local Government,” he stated.
Among other key figures who clinched party tickets, predominantly from the PDP, are:
Dr. Chidi Lloyd – Emuoha LGA
Dr. Thomas Bariere – Khana LGA
Hon. Confidence Dekor – Gokana LGA
Mbakpone Okpe – Tai LGA
Akuro Tobins – Okrika LGA
Allwell Ihunda – Port Harcourt City LGA
Onengiyeofori George – Asari-Toru LGA
Additional candidates reportedly aligned with Wike’s political structure 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
However, the process has not been without controversy.
A faction of the APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, has rejected the emergence of several candidates, insisting that proper procedures were not followed. They claim that some individuals presented as party flagbearers were neither recognized members nor validly nominated through the party’s constitutionally approved channels.
APC spokesperson Darrington Nwauju stated: “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 press time, candidates have yet to be announced for about eight local government areas, keeping political tension high across the oil-rich state as the election date approaches.
