The political tension in Rivers State escalated on Sunday as the factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected the recent local government elections.
They claimed no legitimate election took place on Saturday. Following the controversial poll, Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded to swear in newly elected council chairmen for the 23 local government areas at the Executive Council Chamber in Port Harcourt.
reports that the ceremony took place shortly after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) issued certificates of return to the winners, amid claims that the election was marred by violence and irregularities.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged as the dominant force, securing 22 of the 23 chairmanship positions, while one seat went to the Action Alliance.
The APP also claimed 314 out of 319 councillorship seats.
The election has further deepened the power struggle between Fubara and Wike, with Fubara’s supporters shifting allegiance to the APP after Wike’s influence waned within the PDP.
Kenneth Yowika, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, announced that the party plans to challenge the election results in court, labeling the process an “exercise in futility.”
He cited a Federal High Court ruling that purportedly barred the elections, asserting that the state government acted illegally.
Similarly, Chibuike Ikenga, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, echoed this sentiment, questioning the legitimacy of the swearing-in ceremony.
In contrast, the APC faction loyal to former Minister Rotimi Amaechi expressed satisfaction with the election outcome, choosing not to contest the results.
Chief of Staff to the APC Chairman, Chizi Enyi, confirmed that the party won a councillor position and accepted the election results as reflective of the people’s will.
Amid the conflicting claims, Fubara stated his commitment to ensuring democratic governance and maintaining peace in the state, emphasizing that the local government system had been preserved against destabilizing forces.
