As the countdown to the August 30, 2025 local government elections in Rivers State intensifies, political developments reveal a strong grip by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the candidate selection process.
Most aspirants who emerged victorious during the recently concluded party primaries — under both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) — are known loyalists and close associates of the former governor.
Party primaries were conducted across various centres in the state on Saturday, following the issuance of electoral guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
According to PUNCH, while some candidates secured their tickets through open balloting, others reportedly clinched nominations via consensus arrangements, often brokered by influential political actors.
Interestingly, several candidates who emerged from the process had previously held public office as local government chairmen during Wike’s time as governor — an indication of his continued political relevance and influence in the state.
For example, Charles Wobodo secured the APC chairmanship ticket for Ikwerre Local Government Area, earning 64 out of the 65 votes cast electronically during the party primary. His victory was formally announced by the Returning Officer, Daniel Michael, who declared Wobodo as the candidate-elect for the LGA.
In his post-primary address, Wobodo expressed gratitude to APC members and party stakeholders in Ikwerre, commending them for their trust in his leadership. “This victory is for every resident of Ikwerre LGA,” he said. “The overwhelming support shows that commitment and hard work are still rewarded. I’m deeply honoured to be chosen to represent our great party.”
However, the emergence of these candidates has not come without controversy. The faction of the APC in Rivers State led by Chief Emeka Beke has publicly dissociated itself from what it described as illegitimate candidate endorsements. Spokesperson Darrington Nwauju insisted that the APC had clear constitutional guidelines and internal procedures for nominating flagbearers, which do not include arbitrary selections or the presentation of party symbols to individuals unfamiliar to the party’s register.
Despite this internal opposition, Wike’s political camp remains dominant, with many of his allies emerging as standard-bearers across various LGAs. Among them are Dr. Chidi Lloyd for Emuoha LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere for Khana, and Hon. Confidence Dekor for Gokana — all longstanding Wike confidants.
Other notable names aligned with the former governor include:
Tai LGA: Mbakpone Okpe
Okrika LGA: Akuro Tobin
Port Harcourt City LGA: Allwell Ihunda
Asari-Toru LGA: Onengiyeofori George
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Shedrack Chukwu
Omuma LGA: Uchechukwu Obasi
Degema LGA: Michael Williams
Oyigbo LGA: Okechukwu Akara
Bonny LGA: Abinye Blessing Pepple
Ogu/Bolo LGA: Vincent Nemioboka
Etche LGA: Hon. Chima Njoku
With these names, the emerging candidate list paints a clear picture of Wike’s extended political structure still deeply entrenched in Rivers State’s local governance dynamics.
As of now, candidate selections for about eight local government areas remain pending, leaving room for further political maneuvering in the coming days.