The political balance in Rivers State shifted again on Sunday as Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, regained dominance over grassroots politics, dealing a blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his estranged political protégé.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declared results of the August 30 local government elections, announcing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) captured 20 of the 23 local councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured only three. Among the APC victories was Opobo-Nkoro, the home local government area of Governor Fubara, while Wike’s Obio/Akpor base remained firmly under his influence.
According to RSIEC, APC winners included Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada East), Eugene Cheta (Ahoada West), and Dr. Gift Wodo (Obio/Akpor). PDP’s limited wins went to Chukwu Ogbodo (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Vincent Nimieboka (Ogu/Bolo), and Sir Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt). Notably, all chairmen-elect were male, while all vice chairmen-elect were female, a political arrangement introduced during Wike’s governorship for gender balancing.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar swiftly condemned the elections, calling them “an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.” In a statement on X, he accused the ruling APC of “throwing caution to the wind” and urged Nigerians, the international community, and opposition parties in Rivers to reject the outcome. Atiku described the polls as illegitimate, warning that President Bola Tinubu’s government was taking the nation “on a dangerous curve.”
The elections underscored the deepening rift between Wike and Fubara, a feud that erupted in 2024 over control of the state legislature and escalated into violent confrontations, the bombing of the House of Assembly, and impeachment attempts. Tinubu later declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed interim administrator, a move that largely favored Wike’s camp.
RSIEC Chairman Dr. Michael Odey described Saturday’s poll as “an important milestone in the democratic process,” commending voters and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful exercise. But critics, including elder statesman Sunnie Chukumele, dismissed the outcome as illegitimate. “There is a subsisting Supreme Court judgment,” he said, arguing the election was “an aberration” that would not stand.
Former lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke questioned voter turnout, warning that the results contradicted the apathy witnessed at polling units. “If Rivers people actually voted in such numbers, then it means Wike’s structure is solid. If not, it raises serious concerns,” he said.
Despite widespread criticism, the election reaffirmed Wike’s hold on Rivers politics, tightening his control of both APC and PDP loyalists in the state, while further weakening Fubara ahead of the expiration of emergency rule later this month.