Rivers State Local Government Elections: APC Wins 20 Out of 23 Chairmanship Positions

Strategic Insights -

Rivers State has seen a significant outcome in its local government elections, with the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerging victorious in 20 out of the 23 chairmanship positions contested. The exercise, which was described by the chairperson of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Michael Odey, as free and fair, saw a large turnout of voters casting their ballots. The APC's success was highlighted by the chairperson, who commended the political parties and residents for their commitment to ensuring a smooth election process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The APC won 20 out of the 23 chairmanship positions contested in the local government elections.
  • The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won three LGAs, including Obio/Akpor LGA, where Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, hails from.
  • The elections recorded a significant voters' turnout, with many residents coming out early to cast their ballots.
  • 18 political parties participated in the elections, and the exercise was witnessed by agents of these parties, the Nigerian police, and civil society groups.
  • The APC candidates declared winners include Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada-East), Eugene Epelle (Ahoada-West), Bob Fubara (Akuku Toru), and Loveday Promise (Andoni).
  • The PDP candidates declared winners include Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor), Shedrack Chuku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), and Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt).
  • The deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections in Rivers State, Sam Kinane, described the election as a sham, citing the lack of proper defecting procedures from the PPD to the APC for APC candidates who were previously PDP members.

Statistics:

  • 20 out of 23 chairmanship positions were won by the APC.
  • 18 political parties participated in the elections.
  • 3 LGAs were won by the PDP, including Obio/Akpor LGA where Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, hails from.
  • The elections recorded a significant voters' turnout.

Sources:

  • "APC emerges 20 chairmen in Rivers LG Poll," News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
  • "Rivers LG poll: APC, PDP, others win positions," Punch.