In a resounding victory, the Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged as the dominant force in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State. The party claimed victory in 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship seats across the state.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) made the official announcement following the completion of vote collation in 22 local government areas. RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), declared the results at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The election was held across 6866 units in the state, with 18 political parties participating. The RSIEC chairman praised the conduct of the election, describing it as smooth, credible, and transparent. Despite concerns over possible disruptions, Enebeli noted that the election process was largely peaceful, with voters and political parties demonstrating a strong commitment to the democratic process.
Justice Enebeli commended the people of Rivers State for their peaceful participation, which ensured a largely violence-free election across most local government areas. He assured the public that the results for Etche Local Government Area, along with the 319 councillorship positions, would be announced upon the conclusion of collation in those areas.
The APP’s dominance in the election is seen as a significant political shift in Rivers State’s local governance, as it claimed victories in the majority of the local councils. The chairmanship winners from the 22 local government areas are as follows:
Vincent Reuben Obu – Abua/Odual
Chibudom Ezu – Ahoada-East
Iyekor Ikporo – Ahoada-West
Mrs. Tonye Oniyide – Akuku-Toru
Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile – Andoni
Dr. Sule Amachree – Asari-Toru
Dame Anengi Barasua – Bonny
Dr. Harry Agiriye – Degema
Chief Brian Gokpa – Eleme
David Omereji – Emohua
Monday Dumiye – Gokana
Israel Abosi – Ikwerre
Martins Nwigbo – Khana
Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo – Obio/Akpor
Prince Isaac Umejuru – Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni
Ishmael Oforibika – Ogu/Bolo
Dr. Igwe Achese – Okrika
Promise Reginald – Omuma
Enyiada Cookey-Gam – Opobo/Nkoro
Gift Okere – Oyigbo
Ezebunwo Ichemati – Port Harcourt
Matthew Nenubari Dike – Tai
The only local government area left for announcement is Etche, which is expected to be declared after the collation process is completed.
Justice Enebeli expressed satisfaction with the overall success of the election, emphasizing that despite challenges, the elections were conducted in a safe and orderly manner. He assured that RSIEC would continue working diligently to conclude the remaining results and provide a final comprehensive report on the elections.