The Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged victorious in the Rivers State local government elections, securing 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions available. The Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announced the results on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
While declaring the results, Enebeli noted that the announcement for Etche Local Government Area was suspended due to ongoing results collation. He clarified that the outcomes for Etche LGA and the 319 councillorship positions would be made public once the collation process is completed.
The RSIEC chairman confirmed that the election took place across 6,866 polling units, with participation from 18 political parties. He commended both the political parties and the people of Rivers State for their commitment to the electoral process, describing it as “smooth, safe, free, fair, credible, and transparent.” Enebeli emphasized that the elections were conducted without violence, marking them as some of the most respected council polls in the state despite preceding challenges.
Among the winners of the election are Vincent Reuben Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Mr. Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs. Tonye Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), and Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile (Andoni). Other successful candidates include Dr. Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru), Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr. Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), and David Omereji (Emohua). Additionally, Monday Dumiye (Gokana), Israel Abosi (Ikwerre), Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), Prince Isaac Umejuru (Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Dr. Igwe Achese (Okrika), Promise Reginald (Omuma), Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyigbo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt), and Matthew Nenubari Dike (Tai) also emerged victorious.
The local government elections followed a three-month ultimatum from the Federal Government for states to conduct local polls. In the lead-up to the election, tensions escalated after the police announced that they would not provide security during the polls, citing a court order. Additionally, a similar court injunction barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the voter register to the RSIEC.
Despite these challenges, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted that the election would proceed as planned. The police later clarified that their presence at the RSIEC office was solely for the facility’s protection.
Notably, major political parties, including Fubara’s Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, chose not to participate in the election. On the day of the poll, an explosion damaged the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, destroying the gate and shattering windows and other property.
