River Election: 20 Wike's Loyalists Emerge APC Candidates For August 30 LG Poll
From Justine Preye
According to a report by The Nation on Thursday, August 21, 2025,
Ahead of the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, about 20 loyalists of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have emerged as chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) confirmed that Wike’s men, once core members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will contest on the APC platform under the leadership of Chief Tony Okocha.
The move has stunned political stakeholders, with many noting how Wike has effectively merged factions of the APC and PDP into a single political family ahead of the polls.
While 20 of Wike’s loyalists secured APC tickets, only three—Dr. Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City), and Chukwu Ogbugu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)—were retained to fly the PDP flag.
Analysts link the development to the PDP’s deepening national crisis and Wike’s broader strategy to position Rivers for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Among APC’s flagbearers are Confidence Deko (Gokana), Dr. Chidi Lloyd (Emohua), Obari Ollormate (Eleme), Akuro Tobins (Okrika), and George Onengiyeofori (Asari-Toru).
RISIEC cleared 16 parties for the elections, including Labour Party, APGA, NNPP, AAC, SDP, YPP, and Accord. However, APC and PDP remain the dominant contenders, both inaugurating campaign councils with strong messages aligned to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
At Emohua, APC’s Sir Chidi Lloyd launched his campaign with the backing of former Government House Chief of Staff, Chukwuemeka Woke.
Lloyd pledged to build on his first-term achievements and urged inclusiveness within Wike’s Renewed Hope Political Family.
