Action Peoples Party Dominates Rivers State Local Government Elections

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has claimed a significant victory in the Rivers State local government elections, winning 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions. The Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), announced the results on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

In a historic shift, this marks the first time an opposition party has won the council election in the state since 1999, previously dominated by the ruling party. Enebeli noted that the results for the Etche Local Government Area were still pending due to ongoing collation.

The election was conducted across 6,866 polling units within the state, involving 18 political parties. Justice Enebeli stated that the process was smooth, fair, and transparent. “The process was successful and violent-free,” he said, highlighting the cooperation of the political parties and citizens.

A number of individuals were declared as winners, including Vincent Reuben Obu for Abua/Odual, Chibudom Ezu for Ahoada-East, Mr. Iyekor Ikporo for Ahoada-West, Mrs. Tonye Oniyide for Akuku-Toru, and Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile for Andoni. Dr. Sule Amachree won in Asari-Toru, and other winners include Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr. Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), and David Omereji (Emohua).

The local government polls followed a federal mandate requiring states to hold elections within a three-month timeframe, which expires in October 2024. This requirement was based on a Supreme Court ruling insisting on democratically elected local government councils.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara had expressed strong support for the elections and directed RSIEC to proceed with organizing them. However, the elections were met with legal challenges. The State High Court had authorized the elections, but a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order to halt the process due to procedural issues, including the publication of an election notice.

The tension around the elections was exacerbated by the refusal of police to provide security, following a restraining order from the court. The Federal High Court also instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to release the voter register for use by RSIEC.

Governor Fubara addressed allegations of “rogue policemen” attempting to seize the RSIEC office, only to have the police deny these claims, stating that their presence was to protect the premises. Youth protests erupted outside the RSIEC office, demanding the elections proceed. The political climate in Rivers State remains volatile, intensified by the governor’s ongoing dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Amidst the tensions, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt became a target of an attack involving explosives on the morning of the election. While no casualties were reported, the incident added to the charged atmosphere of the elections.