The Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged as a dominant force in the recent local government elections held on October 5, 2024, winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions across Rivers State. Chief Electoral Officer Adolphus Enebeli of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced the preliminary results on Saturday in Port Harcourt, noting that the outcomes for the 319 councillorship seats will be disclosed once the results for Etche Local Government Area (LGA) are finalized.
The RSIEC has suspended the declaration of results for Etche LGA due to ongoing collation efforts.
Enebeli characterized the election as free, fair, and credible, despite facing numerous challenges. He noted a significant voter turnout, with polling closing at 3 PM. “I salute the patriotism of the residents who turned out to vote,” he said.
The results were officially announced at the Ministry of Justice Hall in the State Secretariat complex, rather than at the RSIEC office on Aba Road, due to what Enebeli referred to as the “exigencies” of the situation.
The announcement was monitored by representatives from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), chairpersons of state electoral bodies, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, who acted as observers during the election.
The following is a list of the elected chairpersons:
Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu
Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo
Akuku-Toru – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs
Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile
Asari-Toru – Sule Amachree
Bonny – Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox (re-elected)
Degema – Harry Agiriye
Eleme – Brian Gokpa
Emohua – David Omereji
Etche – Ongoing Collation
Gokana – Monday Dumiye
Ikwerre – Israel Abosi
Khana – Martins Nwigbo
Obio/Akpor – Chijioke Ihunwo
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni – Prince Isaac Umejuru
Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
Okrika – Igwe Achese
Omuma – Promise Reginald
Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam (re-elected)
Oyigbo – Gift Okere
Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati
Tai – Matthew Nenubari Dike
Although the election was marred by violence, two explosions were reported on the day of the polls. Police confirmed that one explosion occurred at the APC Secretariat on Aba Road around 3 AM, causing significant damage. A second explosion happened at the Obio/Akpor Council secretariat shortly after. Gunfire was also reported in various areas of Port Harcourt, raising concerns about the overall safety during the electoral process.
The run-up to the election was characterized by tension, as the Federal Government had granted states three months to conduct local government polls. Leading up to the election, police announced they would not provide security, citing a court order. At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was barred from presenting the voter register to RSIEC.
Despite these challenges, Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed determination for the election to proceed, alleging attempts to undermine the process by local police forces.
