Rivers State Local Government Election: PDP Members Elected as APC Chairmanship Candidates Ahead of Scheduling Election

Strategic Insights -

According to recent observations by LEADERSHIP, card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have emerged as chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 12 out of 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State ahead of the scheduled local government election on August 30, 2025. These developments are occurring amidst indications that major political parties in Rivers State, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the All Progressives People's Party (APP), and a faction of the APC, may boycott the planned local government elections in the state. Meanwhile, the ADC and the Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of APC have expressed uncertainty over their participation in the election.

Key Takeaways:

  • Out of 23 LGAs in Rivers State, PDP members emerged as APC chairmanship candidates in 12 LGAs, including Asari Toru, Ikwerre, Khana, Tai, Degema, Bonny, Oyigbo, Omuma, Ogu/Bolo, Gokana, and Etche.
  • In 11 LGAs, PDP members who won on the PDP's platform include Emohua, Port Harcourt City, and Obio/Akpor.
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman, Chief Luckyman Egila, stated that the party's critical stakeholders will meet to decide on participation in the LG election.
  • The Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of APC's spokesman, Hon. Darlington Nwauju, expressed uncertainty over the party's participation in the election, citing internal conflicts and lack of recognition by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
  • The participation of major political parties in Rivers State, including ADC, APP, and a faction of APC, in the forth-coming LG election hangs in the balance.

Statistics:

  • 12 out of 23 LGAs in Rivers State have PDP members as APC chairmanship candidates.
  • 11 LGAs have PDP members who won on the PDP's platform, including Emohua, Port Harcourt City, and Obio/Akpor.
  • APP won 22 out of 23 LGAs during the October 5, 2024 LGA election.
  • The elected chairmen and councillors were subsequently sacked by the February 25, 2025 judgement of the Supreme Court.

Sources:

  • LEADERSHIP
  • African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman, Chief Luckyman Egila
  • The Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of APC's spokesman, Hon. Darlington Nwauju