The political rivalry in Rivers State took another dramatic turn over the weekend as the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 of the 23 local government areas in Saturday’s council elections, dealing a major blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured just three LGAs, including Port Harcourt, even as both parties’ victorious candidates were identified as loyalists of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The results, announced on Sunday by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), highlighted the resurgence of Wike’s grassroots influence. Notably, Governor Fubara lost his own Opobo-Nkoro LGA to the APC.

Among the key APC victories were Obio/Akpor Wike’s home base Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. Chairmanship seats were also clinched by APC candidates in Ahoada East, Eleme, Ikwerre, Khana, and Oyigbo, among others. The PDP held on to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ogu/Bolo, and Port Harcourt City LGAs.

Atiku Rejects Poll Outcome

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the election as “a travesty of democracy,” accusing the ruling APC of manipulating the process to consolidate political control.
In a statement posted on X, Atiku urged opposition parties to reject the results, warning that Nigeria was on a “dangerous curve” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Crisis Roots: Wike vs. Fubara

The fierce contest reflects the deepening feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-adversary, Wike. Their fallout, which began in late 2024 over control of the state assembly and key appointments, has since triggered violent confrontations, the bombing of the assembly complex, and counter-impeachment attempts.

The crisis escalated earlier this year, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was appointed as administrator, sidelining both Fubara and the assembly. The emergency rule set to expire on September 18, 2025 has largely favored Wike’s camp through strategic appointments and control of state institutions, including RSIEC.

Mixed Reactions to Results

While RSIEC chairman Dr. Michael Odey hailed the poll as a milestone in Rivers State’s democratic process, critics said voter apathy and irregularities undermined the credibility of the outcome.

Elder statesman High Chief Sunnie Chukumele described the exercise as “contemptuous of the Supreme Court’s judgment,” insisting that the results would not stand. “It is temporary and will not last,” he declared.

Political analysts say the outcome cements Wike’s dominance at the grassroots level at least for now while further isolating Governor Fubara ahead of the expiration of the emergency rule.