Wike Reclaims Control of Rivers LGs as Fubara, Loyalists Shun Polls
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has regained his grip on Rivers politics following Saturday’s local government elections organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The polls came after months of crisis and the Supreme Court’s nullification of the controversial October 2024 elections earlier won by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s loyalists.
The exercise, conducted across all 23 LGAs, saw Wike’s allies dominate, with most contesting under the APC platform, while a few ran under the PDP in key areas such as Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt. Political observers say the victory reflects the peace deal brokered in March by President Bola Tinubu, which allowed Wike’s camp to retake control of the grassroots.
Governor Fubara, his top aides, and other loyalists were absent from the exercise, fueling claims that the polls were pre-determined. Widespread voter apathy and allegations of ballot-stuffing further cast doubts on the credibility of the process, though analysts believe the outcome has strengthened Wike’s hand ahe
