Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has reclaimed political control in the state after a prolonged rift with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike’s camp reasserted dominance on Saturday as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted fresh local government elections across the 23 LGAs, following months of political turbulence.

Supreme Court Nullification

The exercise came after the Supreme Court, on February 28, 2025, nullified the controversial council polls held by Fubara’s administration in October 2024. Then, Fubara’s loyalists, contesting under the Action Peoples Party (APP), had swept 22 of 23 chairmanship seats.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering judgment for the apex court, ruled that RSIEC had been barred from conducting the elections until the state’s voter register was updated, thereby rendering the polls invalid.

Tinubu’s Intervention and Peace Deal

The feud between Wike and Fubara deepened to the point where President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, suspending the governor, his deputy, and members of the state Assembly for six months.

Tinubu later brokered peace between both men, with reports indicating that part of the agreement required Wike’s loyalists to be restored to key local government positions.

APC, PDP Platforms for Wike’s Allies

Ahead of Saturday’s polls, Wike’s supporters defected to the Chief Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC), securing the party’s tickets in 20 LGAs, while three others contested under the PDP in Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni.

Despite objections from rival factions, RSIEC cleared them to contest. Although official results are still pending, observers say Wike’s men hold the clear advantage.

Fubara Camp Boycotts Election

Governor Fubara, who is due back in office September 18, was absent from the state during the exercise. His top aides, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and Secretary to the Government Tammy Danagogo, also shunned the polls.

Similarly, the 23 former local government chairmen removed by the Supreme Court stayed away, leaving the field wide open for Wike’s allies.

A close Fubara loyalist, speaking anonymously, admitted they saw no need to participate, claiming the outcome had been predetermined under the peace agreement.

Voter Apathy and Allegations

The election was marked by widespread voter apathy, with many polling units deserted. Residents alleged that ballot papers were being thumb-printed for APC candidates in some areas.

In Obio-Akpor, a voter, Wisdom Kagbara, wrote on X that “streets were filled with football matches while ballot papers were thumb-printed for candidates.”

Another resident, Grace Agba, echoed the sentiment, saying: “Whether you vote or not, the results they wrote is what they will announce. This is pure selection, not an election.

Wike Regains Political Grip in Rivers as Loyalists Dominate LG Polls

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