Ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, chairmanship and councillor candidates have emerged following primaries held by political parties on Saturday.
Many of the candidates, from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), are reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
While some candidates were chosen through normal primary processes, others were reportedly selected via consensus.
For instance, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo emerged as the APC Chairmanship candidate, winning 64 out of 65 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Wobodo thanked party members for their “overwhelming support” and promised to provide “purposeful leadership” and promote unity if elected.
The primaries have, however, sparked internal conflict within the APC. The Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of the party has distanced itself from the process, calling the endorsements “unauthorised.”
According to spokesperson Darrington Nwauju, the party has a constitution and procedures for conducting primaries that do not include “gifting out party flags” or endorsing individuals not on the party’s register.
Many of the candidates who emerged previously served as local government chairmen when Wike was the state governor. Some of the notable candidates announced include:
- Dr. Chidi Liyod (Emuoha LGA), an ally of Wike
- Dr. Thomas Bariere (Khana LGA), an ally of Wike
- Hon. Confidence Dekor (Gokana LGA), an ally of Wike
- 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), an ally of Wike
- Hon. Chima Njoku (Etche LGA), an ally of Wike
Candidates for eight other local government areas are still being awaited.
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