Wike Loyalists Sweep APC, PDP Tickets Ahead of Rivers LG Polls

Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have emerged as the dominant candidates in both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State.

Party primaries held across the state at the weekend saw aspirants aligned with the former Rivers governor securing tickets in key local government areas. Some clinched their positions through open contests, while others were selected via consensus arrangements.

In Ikwerre LGA, Charles Wobodo, a known Wike ally, secured the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 of 65 votes cast electronically.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier released guidelines for the polls, setting the stage for what observers say could be a significant show of Wike’s enduring political influence across party lines in the state.