PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – In a surprising twist ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State have formed an unprecedented political alliance, presenting a slate of consensus chairmanship candidates across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The move, which has stunned political observers, sees many of the consensus nominees as former council chairmen and prominent loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The development underscores Wike’s enduring political influence in the state, despite ongoing political tensions.
During the primaries held on Saturday, candidates were chosen to represent the unified front. Among the key nominees are Onengiyeofori George (APC) for Asari-Toru and Chidi Lloyd (PDP) for Emohua. In a similar show of collaboration, Charles Wobodo was selected under the APC for Ikwerre, while Thomas Bariere Ariar secured the APC ticket in Khana.
The list of candidates also includes:
- Mbakpone Okpe (APC) in Tai
- Akuro Tobin (APC) in Okrika
- Shedrack Chukwu (PDP) in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni
- Uchechukwu Obasi (APC) in Omuma
- Michael Williams (APC) in Degema
- Allwell Ihunda (PDP) in Port Harcourt
- Vincent Nemioboka (APC) in Ogu/Bolo
- Owolobi Ofori (APC) in Abua/Odual
- Gift Worlu (PDP) in Obio/Akpor
- Chima Njoku (APC) in Etche
The joint nomination strategy is expected to streamline the election process and may signal a new era of political cooperation in a state historically marked by intense rivalry. However, it also raises questions about the future of multi-party democracy and opposition politics in Rivers State. All eyes will now be on the August 30 polls to see how this unprecedented alliance plays out.
