Wike’s Loyalists Dominate Rivers LG Poll Primaries Ahead Of August 30 Election

A wave of familiar faces has emerged from Wike’s camp as candidates for the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, with many former council chairmen during Nyesom Wike’s administration clinching party tickets across various LGAs.

Primaries were conducted over the weekend across the 23 local government areas following the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) release of guidelines. While some aspirants emerged through the party primary process, others were chosen through consensus arrangements.

Significantly, most of the candidates from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further strengthening speculations about his continued political influence in the state.

APC Primary in Ikwerre LGA: Wobodo Emerges

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo secured the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 out of 65 votes cast electronically. Declared winner by Returning Officer Daniel Michael, Wobodo expressed gratitude to party members, promising unity, inclusive leadership, and purposeful governance if elected.

“You have shown that hard work pays. I thank you for the mandate and promise not to betray your trust,” he said.

APC Faction Rejects Results, Labels Process ‘Unauthorized’

However, the Chief Emeka Beke-led faction of the APC has rejected the outcome of the primaries. The faction’s spokesperson, Darrington Nwauju, disassociated the party from what he described as an “unauthorized endorsement of unknown persons.” He emphasized that the names of the candidates do not reflect in the party’s official register.

“We have procedures for our primaries; gifting out flags or recognizing unknown aspirants is not part of it,” Nwauju stated.

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Wike Allies Reappear Across Multiple LGAs

Notably, several former council chairmen under the Wike-led PDP government have resurfaced as candidates. These include:

Dr. Chidi Lloyd – Emuoha LGA

Dr. Thomas Bariere – Khana LGA

Hon. Confidence Dekor – Gokana LGA

Mbakpone Okpe – Tai LGA

Akuro Tobins – 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

Hon. Chima Njoku – Etche LGA

Our correspondent reports that all these candidates were previously elected during Wike’s administration, underlining the sustained dominance of the former governor’s political structure.

Eight LGAs Await Candidate Declaration

As of press time, candidates for about eight local government areas are yet to be announced, with internal consultations and political maneuvering reportedly still ongoing.