Wike Reclaims Grip on Rivers as APC Sweeps 20 LGAs, Fubara Loses Home Council in Contentious Poll

The political power struggle in Rivers State has once again shifted, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reclaiming control of the state’s political grassroots from his estranged successor and former protégé, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This development followed the local government elections conducted on August 30 by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), whose results were announced on Sunday.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), now the dominant force in the state, secured 20 out of the 23 chairmanship seats, while the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won only three. Among the LGAs claimed by the APC were Obio/Akpor—Wike’s home council—Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. Notably, Governor Fubara lost his own council area, Opobo-Nkoro, to the opposition. Interestingly both the APC and PDP candidates declared winners are loyal to Wike, cementing his grip on the state’s political structure.

RSIEC announced that Ofori Owolabi won the Abua/Odual chairmanship seat for the APC, while Solomon Achoma emerged victorious in Ahoada East. Other APC winners include Eugene Cheta (Ahoada West), Bob Fubarab (Akuku Toru), Otua Promise (Andoni), George Onengiyeofori (Asari Toru), Pepple Blessing (Bonny), Michael Williams (Degema), Obarilomate Ollor (Eleme), Lloyd Julius (Emohua), Njoku Chima (Etche), Confidence Deko (Gokana), Wobodo Charles (Ikwerre), Thomas Bariere (Khana), Dr. Gift Wodo (Obio/Akpor), Akuro Tobin (Okrika), Obasi Uchechukwu (Omuma), James A. James (Opobo-Nkoro), Okechukwu Nwogu (Oyigbo), and Okwe Mbakpone (Tai). The three PDP winners are Chukwu Ogbodo (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Vincent Nimieboka (Ogu/Bolo) and Sir Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt).

The outcome sparked strong reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the elections as “an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.” In a post on X, Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the poll was conducted in a “shameful and shambolic manner,” and accused the ruling APC of pursuing “an inordinate political advantage” at all costs. He urged the international community to take note of what he described as a “dangerous curve” for Nigeria’s democracy and called on opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the results, insisting the elections lacked legitimacy.

The elections have further deepened the long-running feud between Wike and Fubara, which began in late 2024 over control of the state legislature. Their conflict spiraled into violence, including the bombing of the State Assembly complex, multiple impeachment attempts, resignations of pro-Wike commissioners, and the emergence of rival Speakers. President Tinubu later declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly after an attack on an oil facility. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the state administrator for six months, a tenure set to expire on September 18, 2025.

Since assuming control, Ibas has reshaped state institutions in ways that have favored Wike’s loyalists. The new RSIEC chairman, Dr. Michael Odey—appointed by Ibas—oversaw Saturday’s elections. At the declaration of results, Odey described the poll as “an important milestone in the democratic process in Rivers State” praising stakeholders, security agencies, and the electorate for ensuring a peaceful exercise. He also noted that while all chairmen-elect are male, their deputies are female, maintaining a gender-balance formula introduced by Wike during his time as governor.

Reactions within the state remain divided. Former lawmaker Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke questioned the credibility of the turnout compared to the declared results, noting that if the numbers were genuine, it would mean Wike’s political structure remains deeply entrenched. On the other hand, elder statesman High Chief Sunnie Chukumele dismissed the elections as “temporary and illegitimate,” citing a Supreme Court judgment that nullified previous RSIEC polls for failing to comply with legal notice requirements. He warned that the exercise was “contemptuous of the Supreme Court” and would not stand.

Despite criticism and opposition, the outcome has reinforced Wike’s dominance in Rivers politics, even as his strained relationship with Governor Fubara continues to shape the volatile landscape of the state.