Atiku Demands Annulment as Wike Reclaims Grassroots Control Fubara loses stronghold, APC sweeps 20 councils, PDP takes three • Elders insist Wike’s grip is temporary
Rivers LG Poll: Atiku Demands Annulment as Wike Reclaims Grassroots Control
Fubara loses stronghold, APC sweeps 20 councils, PDP takes three • Elders insist Wike’s grip is temporary
The political pendulum in Rivers State has swung again, with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike regaining influence over the state’s grassroots following Saturday’s local government elections.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Sunday declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) victorious in 20 of 23 LGAs, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three. Both winning camps are dominated by Wike’s loyalists.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara suffered a symbolic blow as he lost his own Opobo-Nkoro LGA to the APC. The party also clinched Obio/Akpor—Wike’s base—and Port Harcourt City LGA, alongside 17 others.
Atiku Condemns Outcome
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar denounced the exercise, calling it a “travesty of democracy.”
“By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead with the polls, it is clear the APC is willing to discard all caution to secure political advantage,” Atiku wrote on X.
He urged opposition parties in Rivers to reject the results, describing the process as “extraneous to our laws” and warning that Nigeria was on “a dangerous curve.”
The Wike–Fubara Rift
The election marks the latest chapter in the protracted feud between Wike and his estranged protégé, Fubara. Their conflict erupted in late 2024 after an alleged attempt to restructure the State House of Assembly, triggering bombings, counter-impeachment bids, parallel Speakers, and factional protests.
The crisis escalated into a State of Emergency in Rivers State, declared by President Bola Tinubu, who suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly. Former Naval Chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed Administrator for an initial six months, ending September 18, 2025.
Ibas quickly purged Fubara’s appointees, including former RSIEC leadership, replacing them with Wike allies such as Dr. Michael Odey, who oversaw Saturday’s polls.
Wike Tightens Grip
Although the APC dominated the LG elections, Wike’s imprint was clear: both APC and PDP winners were men from his camp. The FCT minister himself reportedly secured Port Harcourt and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs for the PDP, leaving the APC to sweep the rest.
For Fubara, the results underscore his diminishing influence just two years into office. For Wike, they reaffirm his position as the state’s political strongman—even under emergency rule.
By Haruna Yakubu Haruna
