In an unprecedented political development in Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have struck a rare alliance ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections by jointly adopting consensus candidates across the 23 local government areas.
Most of the nominated candidates are either former council chairmen or loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is widely perceived as the architect of the new alliance despite his PDP affiliation.
Wike’s influence in Rivers politics appears unshaken, as both parties now align with his political structure, creating ripples across the state’s political landscape.
Former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, George Ariolu, justified the move, describing the consensus arrangement as a strategic effort to avoid political acrimony.
“Consensus is embedded in our party constitutions. When political families agree, it promotes peace and understanding. It’s not unusual,” he said.
Ariolu further confirmed the cooperation between the parties, stating, “Our leader, the Minister of FCT, works closely with President Bola Tinubu of the APC. The alliance reflects the political understanding and mutual respect between them.”
However, the alliance has not been without pushback. Factional members of both parties have rejected the process, calling it illegitimate and undemocratic.
Spokesperson of the Emeka Bekee-led APC faction, Darlington Nwauju, condemned the arrangement, arguing that the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (retd.), lacks constitutional authority to constitute an electoral body.
“Only an elected governor can set up a valid electoral board. What is happening is an expensive joke and a misuse of public funds,” Nwauju said, hinting that his faction might boycott the elections entirely.
During the primaries conducted on Saturday, key names emerged across the state’s LGAs. Notable selections include Onengiyeofori George (APC, Asari-Toru), Charles Wobodo (APC, Ikwerre), Chidi Lloyd (PDP, Emohua), Thomas Bariere Ariar (APC, Khana), and Allwell Ihunda (PDP, Port Harcourt). Others are Gift Worlu (PDP, Obio/Akpor), Chima Njoku (APC, Etche), Shedrack Chukwu (PDP, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), and Vincent Nemioboka (APC, Ogu/Bolo).
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has expressed outrage, threatening legal action to stop the elections over what it described as a “subversion of democratic processes.”
“The people deserve the right to choose their leaders freely. What we are witnessing is nothing short of political theatre orchestrated by power brokers,” the CLO said in a statement..
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