The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won 20 out of 23 chairmanship seats in Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State.
Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, who announced the results late Sunday, described the exercise as free and fair, with 18 political parties participating.
According to him, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured three LGAs, including Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt — the home council of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Odey commended political parties, residents, and security agencies for ensuring a smooth process, noting that voters turned out early in many areas to cast their ballots.
Among APC candidates declared winners were Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada-East), Eugene Epelle (Ahoada-West), Bob Fubara (Akuku Toru), and Loveday Promise (Andoni). Others include George Onegiyeofori (Asari Toru), Pepple Abinye (Bonny), Michael Williams (Degema), Chidi Lloyd (Emohua), Confidence Deekor (Gokana), and Charles Wobodo (Ikwerre).
The PDP’s successful candidates are Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor), Shedrack Chuku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), and Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt).
However, despite RSIEC’s assurances, observers noted low voter turnout, which many attributed to short notice and ongoing political crises in the state.
Reacting, Labour Party’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate in Rivers, Mr. Sam Kinane, dismissed the polls as a sham. He argued that the elections violated laid-down procedures, claiming they were conducted under “emergency rule” and questioning the legitimacy of APC candidates who, he alleged, had not properly defected from the PDP.
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