The All Progressives Congress (APC) achieved a remarkable victory in the Rivers State local government elections held on August 31, 2025, securing 20 out of the 23 chairmanship positions contested.
The results were announced by Dr. Michael Odey, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who described the elections as free and fair with robust voter turnout despite the state’s political tensions.
Eighteen political parties participated in the polls, but the APC overwhelmingly dominated most local government areas (LGAs). The party’s chairmanship winners include Ofori Owolabi (Abua/Odual), Solomon Achoma (Ahoada-East), Eugene Epelle (Ahoada-West), Bob Fubara (Akuku Toru), and Loveday Promise (Andoni), among others. The APC also claimed victories in Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Ogu/Bolo, Okirika, Omuma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, and Tai LGAs.
Conversely, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured just three LGAs including Obio/Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt. Notably, the Port Harcourt LGA was won by the PDP, while the rest were largely swept by the APC.
Despite RSIEC’s assurance of a smooth electoral process, the elections witnessed low voter turnout attributed to short notice and ongoing political crises. Deputy Governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections in Rivers, Sam Kinane, criticized the elections as a sham, arguing that they violated the legal procedures for local government polls and criticized the conduct of elections under an emergency rule imposed by the federal government.
He further questioned the legitimacy of many APC candidates, asserting that some had not officially defected from the PDP.
The political context of these elections is notable, taking place less than a month before Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a PDP member, is due to resume office after a suspension triggered by federal emergency rule imposed over security concerns.
This situation leaves the incoming governor to govern amidst local councils dominated by the opposition APC, setting the stage for potential political tension in Rivers State.
The announcement of results was witnessed by electoral party agents, Nigerian Police, and civil society observers, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to transparency despite contestations by opposition groups.
