The Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged victorious in 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), described the elections as peaceful, free, and fair. He noted that the winners garnered a two-thirds majority of votes in their respective wards across the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
“Results for 19 wards in Etche LGA are still being collated,” Enebeli said while announcing the results, adding that the outcomes for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced soon.
Elections were held in all 6,866 polling units across 319 wards, with 18 of the 19 registered political parties participating. Enebeli highlighted the significant voter turnout, noting that many voters braved the rain to cast their ballots before the polls closed at 3 p.m.
He commended the political parties and residents for their cooperation in ensuring a smooth electoral process and declared the candidates with the highest votes in each LGA as duly elected chairmen.
The successful candidates included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr. Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).
Other chairmen-elect were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr. Harry Agiriye (Degema), Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Israel Abosi (Ikwerre). Additional winners included Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).
Rounding out the list were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt), and Matthew Dike (Tai).
The declaration of the results was observed by agents of the participating political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
