As political activities intensify ahead of the Rivers State local government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025, the two major political parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) — have completed their selection processes across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The consensus arrangements, strategic defections, and internal zoning formulas that produced the candidates mark a paradigm shift in the political dynamics of the state, especially in historically PDP-dominated regions.
The following is a comprehensive breakdown of the chairmanship candidates, categorized by the three senatorial districts in Rivers State.
Rivers South-East Senatorial District: (Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo)
In Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Thomas Bariere Ariar emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A former council chairman under the PDP, Bariere’s defection to the APC and subsequent endorsement signaled a strategic shift in Ogoni politics.
In Gokana LGA, Confidence Deko, another returning former PDP chairman, secured the APC ticket following wide consultations among stakeholders.
Tai LGA produced Dr. Mbakpone Friday Okpe as the APC candidate. He emerged unopposed due to overwhelming grassroots and elite support.
In Eleme LGA, Obarilomate Ollor, also a former PDP council boss, was nominated by the APC following a unanimous endorsement.
For Andoni LGA, Prince Promise Otuo Lucky was chosen as the chairmanship candidate through a consensus arrangement, though his official party platform is yet to be formally declared.
In Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Barr. James A. James emerged as the PDP chairmanship candidate through the party’s internal vetting process.
Okechukwu Akara was nominated as the APC candidate for Oyigbo LGA, marking the party’s strong organizational presence in the area.
Rivers West Senatorial District: (Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Bonny, Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema)
In Ahoada East LGA, Solomon Abuba was nominated as chairmanship candidate through a consensus process. His political party has not been officially declared at the time of reporting.
Eugene Opelle emerged as the consensus candidate in Ahoada West LGA, with bipartisan endorsement. His party affiliation is also yet to be formally confirmed.
In Abua/Odual LGA, Owolobi Ofori was announced as the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following broad agreement among local party leaders.
Shadrach Chukwu secured the PDP ticket in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) through the party’s zoning and reconciliation mechanisms.
In Bonny LGA, Abinye Blessing Pepple was nominated under the platform of the APC, having received strong support from oil industry and community leaders.
For Asari-Toru LGA, Onengiyeofori George emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC, following a decision by the Kalabari APC bloc.
Akuku-Toru LGA produced Aboiaya Bobfubara as the consensus chairmanship candidate. While widely endorsed by community stakeholders, his official party affiliation has not been publicly declared.
In Degema LGA, Michael John Williams was nominated by the APC, following a smooth consensus process involving party elders and youth leaders.
Rivers East Senatorial District: (Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Ikwerre, Emohua, Etche, Omuma, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika)
In Obio/Akpor LGA, Gift Worlu was adopted as the PDP chairmanship candidate, following the party’s internal consensus and stakeholder consultation.
Allwell Ihunda, the current chairman of Port Harcourt City LGA, was re-nominated by the PDP to return for another term, based on his performance and loyalty to the party.
Charles Wobodo emerged as the APC candidate in Ikwerre LGA, following wide consultation among local party structures and youth groups.
In Emohua LGA, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the incumbent chairman, was re-nominated by the PDP to continue his leadership for a second term.
Etche LGA produced Chima Njoku as the APC flagbearer, following a party zoning arrangement that favored Etche South.
In Omuma LGA, Obasi Uchechukwu Nnabuike was selected as the APC candidate, emerging from a youth-driven consensus.
For Ogu/Bolo LGA, Vincent Nemioboka was chosen as the consensus candidate of the APC, supported by both traditional institutions and political actors.
Finally, in Okrika LGA, Akuro Tobin emerged as the APC chairmanship candidate through a broad-based endorsement involving political leaders, community stakeholders, and youth representatives.
With these candidates now fully unveiled, the August 30 elections are set to be one of the most competitive local government contests in Rivers State’s democratic history.
The political terrain is no longer defined by party loyalty alone; candidates will now face the ultimate test of popularity, performance record, and public trust as voters become increasingly issue-driven and politically aware.
