Twenty-three candidates, believed to be loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have emerged as flag bearers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming local government chairmanship elections in Rivers State, scheduled for August 30, 2025.
The candidates, drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state, cut across both parties, with the APC fielding candidates in 14 councils and the PDP in 9.
The candidates are:
APC: Obasi Uchechukwu Nnabuike (Omuma), Owolabi Ofori (Abua/Odual), Prince Promise Otuo Lucky (Andoni), Vincent Nemieboka (Ogu-Bolo), Akuto Tobin (Okrika), Confidence Dekor (Gokana), Bariere Thomas (Khana), Mbakpone Friday (Tai), Onarilomati Ollor (Eleme), Okechukwu Akara (Oyigbo), Michael John Williams (Degema), Onengiyeofori George (Asari-Toru), Charles Wobodo (Ikwerre), Chima Njoku (Etche), Aboiaya Bobfubara (Akuku-Toru).
PDP: Shadrach Chukwu Ogbogwu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Gift Worlu (Obio-Akpor), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt), Solomon Abuba (Ahoada East), Eugene Opelle (Ahoada West), Chidi Lloyd (Emohua), James A. James (Opobo-Nkoro), Abinye Blessing Pepple (Bonny).
The emergence of these candidates is seen by political observers as a consolidation of influence by the FCT Minister ahead of the local council elections. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is expected to release further details in the days ahead.
