Port Harcourt — In a dramatic political development ahead of the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reached an unprecedented consensus to produce joint chairmanship candidates across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

Click Here to Join Our Whatsapp Channel 

Most of the nominated candidates are former council chairmen and known loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Despite heightened political tension in the state, Wike’s influence appears undiminished.

However, the alliance has sparked controversy within both parties. Factional members of the PDP and APC have rejected the consensus process, describing it as a betrayal of democratic principles. Some have vowed to boycott the election entirely, calling it an “exercise in futility.”

Darlington Nwauju, spokesperson for the Emeka Bekee-led faction of the APC, criticized the process, arguing that the current Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd), lacks the constitutional authority to constitute an electoral body.

“Only a democratically elected governor has the legal right to form such a body,” Nwauju stated. “Until due process is followed, the primaries amount to nothing more than a waste of public resources.”

In defense of the coalition, former Obio/Akpor Local Government chairman, George Ariolu, said consensus candidacy is a common political practice aimed at fostering peace within party ranks.

“It is a normal thing to agree on a consensus candidate. It is enshrined in many party constitutions. The goal is to reduce acrimony and promote unity,” Ariolu explained. “Our leader, the Minister of FCT, though a PDP chieftain, works closely with President Bola Tinubu of the APC. This consensus reflects the political understanding and harmony we have.”

During Saturday’s primaries, chairmanship candidates emerged in various LGAs as follows:

  • Asari-Toru – Onengiyeofori George (APC)
  • Ikwerre – Charles Wobodo (APC)
  • Emohua – Chidi Lloyd (PDP)
  • Khana – Thomas Bariere Ariar (APC)
  • Tai – Mbakpone Okpe (APC)
  • Okrika – Akuro Tobin (APC)
  • Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni – Shedrack Chukwu (PDP)
  • Omuma – Uchechukwu Obasi (APC)
  • Degema – Michael Williams (APC)
  • Port Harcourt – Allwell Ihunda (PDP)
  • Ogu/Bolo – Vincent Nemioboka (APC)
  • Abua/Odual – Owolobi Ofori (APC)
  • Obio/Akpor – Gift Worlu (PDP)
  • Etche – Chima Njoku (APC)

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the controversial primaries and the proposed election. The Rivers State branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has threatened to pursue all legal and democratic means to halt the process, citing constitutional breaches and lack of electoral legitimacy.

Political analysts say the unfolding events could reshape the state’s political landscape as both parties break traditional rivalries to work together — a move seen by many as an attempt to consolidate power and retain control under Wike’s expansive political network.

As the August 30 election draws closer, all eyes are now on Rivers State.