Wike Loyalists Dominate as Rivers LG Election Candidates Emerge

Chairmanship and councillorship candidates have emerged ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State, with loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dominating the field across major parties.

Political parties conducted their primaries on Saturday, following the release of election guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

While some candidates secured their tickets through the standard delegate voting process, others reportedly emerged via consensus.

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship ticket after polling 64 out of 65 votes during an electronic primary. The result was declared by the returning officer, Daniel Michael, who confirmed Wobodo as the party’s flagbearer for the August 30 polls.

In his acceptance speech, Wobodo thanked stakeholders for their support and pledged to provide focused leadership if elected.

“You have shown that hard work pays,” he said. “I assure you that my victory will be a win for the entire Ikwerre local government.”
However, the Emeka Beke-led faction of the APC has distanced itself from some of the outcomes, describing certain endorsements as unauthorized.

The party’s spokesperson, Darrington Nwauju, emphasized that APC has clear constitutional procedures for primaries and warned against presenting candidates not listed in the official party register.

Despite the controversy, several other candidates—mainly loyalists of Wike—have emerged under both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Notable among them are; 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 LGA), Hon. Chima Njoku (Etche LGA)

Many of these individuals previously served as council chairpersons during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.
As of Sunday evening, candidates for about eight local government areas were yet to be officially announced.