Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reclaimed control over the Local Government structure as his allies, who ran under the Action Peoples Party (APP), won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions.

 

Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announced the results in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday night.

 

Previously, Wike had gained temporary control of the local government structure after his loyalists won the contested Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress held last month.

 

Refusing to back down, Fubara urged his loyalists to switch to APP and contest the election.

 

Recognizing the state’s influence on LG elections, Wike’s camp withdrew from the race, which was legally challenged, but Fubara insisted on proceeding.

 

The election took place amidst tension and some violence after the police withdrew security.

 

Enebeli said the result of Etche, the only Local Government Area pending, would be announced later.

 

Meanwhile, the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers have raised concerns about the election results.

 

At a separate press briefing on Saturday, Victor Giadom, South-South APC chairman, explained the party boycotted the election due to legal discrepancies.

 

“The entire local government election process in Rivers State contradicts existing laws — if conducted lawfully, my party would have participated,” he stated.

 

Tony Okocha, former APC Caretaker Committee Chair in Rivers, also warned against result declarations.

 

“We are surprised that after receiving the court judgment, Governor Siminalayi Fubara breached RSIEC gates and removed police officers tasked with enforcing compliance,” Okocha said.

 

“We warn against announcing or attempting to declare illegitimate individuals as local government chairmen.

 

“Such actions could lead to disorder and unrest. The governor’s efforts to install his allies in the councils will fail.”

 

Rivers PDP chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, also voiced concerns that releasing results might spark violence.

 

“We can’t support lawlessness, even as the ruling party in Rivers State.

 

“Court rulings must be respected. Any attempt to declare results would incite violence and will be strongly resisted, as no election occurred in Rivers on October 5, 2024, as ordered by the courts,” he said.

 

Earlier, Wike’s supporters had protested the election, calling it unlawful.