As the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State draw near, political loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have swept through the primaries of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerging as dominant candidates across several Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The primaries, held on Saturday following the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s release of election guidelines, showcased a familiar political trend—Wike’s unwavering grip on grassroots politics in the state.
While some aspirants emerged through internal balloting, others reportedly secured their tickets through consensus arrangements that allegedly favored the former Rivers governor’s camp. Significantly, many of the anointed candidates are political veterans who previously served under Wike during his tenure as governor, further cementing speculation that the upcoming elections may solidify his political stronghold.
One of the standout outcomes occurred in Ikwerre LGA, where Charles Wobodo, a staunch Wike loyalist, clinched the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 of the 65 electronically cast votes. The Returning Officer, Daniel Michael, declared him winner, stating:
> “By this, we declare that Charles Wobodo is the Chairmanship candidate-elect for Ikwerre Local Government Area.”
In his acceptance speech, Wobodo expressed gratitude to party stakeholders and pledged to deliver credible leadership.
> “My leaders in the APC, stakeholders present here today—thank you for this overwhelming show of love and trust. This victory is not just for me, but for the people of Ikwerre. I promise purposeful and people-driven leadership,” he said.
Despite these developments, a rift appears to be widening within the APC. The Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of the party has publicly rejected the emergence of some candidates, describing the process as fraudulent and unauthorised.
According to Darrington Nwauju, the faction’s spokesperson:
> “The APC has a constitutionally backed process for selecting candidates. Endorsing individuals who are not recognised within our official register or gifting party flags without due process is not only unconstitutional but dangerous for internal party democracy.”
Nevertheless, the list of Wike-backed candidates across both major parties continues to expand:
Dr. Chidi Lloyd – Chairmanship candidate, 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
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
All are said to have longstanding ties with the FCT Minister, further fueling speculation that Wike is tactically consolidating power in Rivers State ahead of future national political moves.
Meanwhile, the suspense lingers as candidates for approximately eight LGAs are yet to be announced, leaving room for further political intrigues in the coming days.
As the election date approaches, analysts believe the August 30th polls may serve as a litmus test for Wike’s enduring political influence—and could potentially redefine the balance of power in Rivers State’s volatile political landscape.
PIONEER NEWS 