The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has finalized preparations for the August 30 local government elections, approving 16 political parties and their candidates following a screening exercise held between August 8 and 12 in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, the commission confirmed the inclusion of major parties such as the PDP, APC, Labour Party, and others.
However, not all cleared parties are fielding candidates across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The PDP, for instance, is presenting only three chairmanship candidates all of them aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
These include Dr. Gift Worlu in Obio/Akpor (Wike’s home LGA), Allwell Ihunda in Port Harcourt City, and Chukwu Ogbugu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
In contrast, the APC is fielding candidates in 20 LGAs, with a lineup dominated by Wike loyalists many of whom previously served as LGA chairmen during his tenure as governor.
Prominent APC figures in the race include Confidence Deko in Gokana, Dr. Chidi Lloyd in Emohua, Obari Ollormate in Eleme, Akuro Tobins in Okrika, and Dr. Thomas Bari-ara, among others.
The Labour Party and several other cleared parties are participating in select LGAs only.
Dr. Odey called on all political parties and candidates to verify the official list at RSIEC’s headquarters and appealed to civil society and security agencies to work together in ensuring a credible electoral process.
He emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and urged stakeholders to play their part in safeguarding electoral integrity.
This high-stakes election comes just weeks before the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara expected to return to office.
The current process is being overseen by Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), following a Supreme Court ruling that nullified a previous poll organized by Fubara, which had installed his own loyalists in council positions.
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