Several former local government chairmen who served under the administration of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have re-emerged as candidates ahead of the August 30th, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State.
Political parties, primarily the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), conducted primaries across the state on Saturday following the release of election guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. While some candidates emerged through open contest, others were reportedly selected via consensus.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo clinched the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 out of 65 votes cast electronically during the primary. Declaring the result, Returning Officer Daniel Michael stated, “By this, we declare that Charles Wobodo is the Chairmanship candidate-elect for Ikwerre Local Government Area.” Wobodo, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to APC stakeholders and pledged to provide inclusive leadership.
However, a sharp division emerged within the Rivers APC as the Chief Emeka Beke-led faction distanced itself from the endorsement of what it described as “unauthorised” candidates. According to Darrington Nwauju, spokesperson for the faction, “Our party has a constitution and laid-down procedures for selecting candidates. We do not recognise individuals whose names are not in the official party register.”
Among the notable names who emerged under both PDP and APC — all known allies of Wike — are:
- Dr. Chidi Lloyd – Emuoha LGA
- Dr. Thomas Bariere – Khana LGA
- Hon. Confidence Dekor – Gokana LGA
- Mbakpone Okpe – Tai LGA
- Akuro Tobin – 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
These candidates all previously served as local government chairmen during Wike’s tenure as governor, signifying a strong return of his political structure in the state’s grassroots politics.
As of the time of filing this report, candidates for about eight local government areas are still being awaited.
The unfolding events underscore deep political undercurrents in Rivers State, especially the rivalry between the camps of former Governor Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid growing internal party wranglings and alignments ahead of future elections.
