RSIEC Clears 16 Parties for Rivers LG Polls as PDP Fields Just 3 Chairmanship Candidates

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has unveiled the final list of political parties and candidates approved to participate in the August 30 local government elections. In a statement issued by RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, the commission confirmed that 16 political parties were successfully screened during an exercise conducted at its headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, between August 8 and 12, in accordance with the updated election timetable.

Among the cleared parties are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Zenith Party, Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Others include the Action Alliance (AA), Youth Party (YP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), African Democratic Party (ADP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), and the Allied People’s Party (APP).

The PDP fielded only three chairmanship candidates for the 23 LGAs—Dr. Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City), and Chukwu Ogbugu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)—while the APC, whose candidates are largely associates of former Governor Nyesom Wike, presented 20 chairmanship contenders. Notable APC candidates include Confidence Deko (Gokana), Dr. Chidi Lloyd (Emohua), Obari Ollormate (Eleme), Akuro Tobins (Okrika), and Dr. Thomas Bari-ara, among others. The Labour Party and several other parties did not field candidates across all LGA positions.

RSIEC has called on political parties and candidates to visit its headquarters to confirm their names on the posted list. During an engagement with civil society groups, Dr. Odey emphasized the importance of collaboration from stakeholders—including security agencies and the media—to ensure a transparent and credible election process. He assured the public that RSIEC remains committed to conducting free and fair polls.

This election, coordinated under the leadership of the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), is taking place just weeks before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu and the anticipated return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Supreme Court had previously invalidated the earlier LG election conducted under Fubara, which saw his loyalists claim control of the local councils.