Wike’s Camp Dominates List as RSIEC Clears 16 Parties for LG Poll

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has released the final list of political parties and candidates approved to participate in the August 30 local government elections, with 16 parties making the cut.

The clearance followed a screening exercise conducted at the commission’s headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, between August 8 and 12, in line with the revised timetable, according to a statement signed by RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey.

Alongside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), other cleared parties include the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Zenith Party, Accord Party, African Action Congress, Action People’s Party, and the Social Democratic Party. 

Also cleared were the Action Alliance, Youth Party, Young Progressive Party, Action Democratic Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, African Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, and the Allied People’s Party.

Documents sighted by PUNCH showed that the PDP submitted only three chairmanship candidates, while the APC presented 20 across the state’s 23 local government areas.

The PDP candidates include Dr. Gift Worlu for Obio/Akpor, home LGA of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Allwell Ihunda for Port Harcourt City, and Chukwu Ogbugu for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

On the APC’s side, most candidates are known loyalists of Wike and former council chairmen during his tenure as governor. 

They include Confidence Deko for Gokana, Dr. Chidi Lloyd for Emohua, Obari Ollormate for Eleme, Akuro Tobins for Okrika, and Dr. Thomas Bari-ara, among others.

Findings also revealed that the Labour Party and 14 other parties did not field candidates for all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 23 LGAs.

Meanwhile, Odey urged political parties and candidates to visit RSIEC headquarters to confirm the posted names. 

Speaking during an interactive session with civil society organisations, he appealed for cooperation from stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure credible elections.

“We want to assure you that RSIEC will provide a level playing field for everyone. We also welcome constructive feedback from civil society as we fine-tune our preparations.

“Credible elections are not the responsibility of the commission alone; they require collective support from election management bodies, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and ultimately the people themselves. Together, let us make the August 30 elections a model of democratic excellence for our people,” he said.