Rivers LG Poll: Atiku Rejects Results as Wike Tightens Grip on State Politics

The political drama in Rivers State deepened on Sunday as results from the August 30 local government elections signaled a decisive shift in control, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reasserting dominance over the state’s political grassroots.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 of the 23 councils, while the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured only three.

Among the LGAs captured by the APC were Obio/Akpor, Wike’s stronghold, as well as Port Harcourt City and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was dealt a political blow after losing his home council, Opobo-Nkoro, to the opposition.

Despite the APC’s dominance, analysts note that both APC and PDP candidates who emerged victorious are largely Wike’s allies, underscoring his continued influence in Rivers politics.

Atiku Rejects Outcome

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly criticised the election, describing it as “a travesty” and a mockery of democracy. In a statement on X, he accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of conducting a “shameful and shambolic” exercise designed to give the ruling party undue advantage.

Atiku urged opposition parties to reject the results, insisting that the “occupation government” overseeing the polls had no legitimacy to conduct such a crucial exercise. He also warned that the development reflects a “dangerous curve” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Wike–Fubara Rift Resurfaces

The election once again highlighted the bitter rift between Wike and his estranged protégé, Governor Fubara. Their feud dates back to late 2024, when Fubara allegedly attempted to wrest control of the state House of Assembly from Wike’s loyalists. The fallout triggered months of political crises, including the bombing and demolition of the Assembly complex, impeachment threats, and protests across the state.

President Tinubu’s intervention led to a fragile truce, but tensions persisted as Fubara gradually sidelined Wike’s allies in government. The conflict eventually prompted the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed Administrator to oversee the state for an initial six months, set to expire on September 18, 2025.

Since assuming office, Ibas has filled key positions with Wike loyalists, including appointing Dr. Michael Odey as RSIEC Chairman, who oversaw Saturday’s election.

Implications

The outcome of the LG polls cements Wike’s enduring control of Rivers grassroots politics, despite being out of office for nearly two years. For Fubara, the results mark another setback in his struggle for political survival, while Atiku’s intervention suggests the contest could escalate into a wider opposition-government face-off ahead of 2027.