Double Take: Wike Allies Secure Candidacies In Both APC And PDP, Sparks Political Uproar In Rivers

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

The candidates were selected through both primary elections and consensus arrangements conducted at various centers across the state following the issuance of guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo clinched the APC chairmanship ticket with 64 out of 65 delegate votes in an electronic primary, according to IReporter Online.

In his acceptance speech, Wobodo expressed gratitude to party stakeholders and promised to deliver purposeful leadership if elected. “You’ve shown that hard work pays. I thank you for entrusting me with this mandate. My victory will be for the people of Ikwerre LGA,” he said.

Several other well-known Wike loyalists also secured tickets across different LGAs. These include Dr. Chidi Lloyd (Emuoha LGA), Dr. Thomas Bariere (Khana LGA), and Hon. Confidence Dekor (Gokana LGA).

Others on the list are Mbakpone Okpe (Tai LGA), Akuro Tobins (Okrika LGA), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City LGA), and Onengiyeofori George (Asari-Toru LGA). According to IReporter Online, all these individuals previously held chairmanship positions during Wike’s tenure as Rivers State Governor.

Additional candidates from Wike’s camp include Shedrack Chukwu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), Uchechukwu Obasi (Omuma LGA), Michael Williams (Degema LGA), Okechukwu Akara (Oyigbo LGA), Abinye Blessing Pepple (Bonny LGA), Vincent Nemioboka (Ogu/Bolo LGA), and Hon. Chima Njoku (Etche LGA). However, candidates for about eight other LGAs are yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Chief Emeka Beke-led APC faction in Rivers has outrightly rejected and distanced itself from what it described as unauthorized endorsements.

Darrington Nwauju, spokesperson for the faction, stated that the party’s constitutional procedures were disregarded, emphasizing that no candidate whose name isn’t found in the official party register can be recognized.

This unfolding development signals a deepening rift within the APC in Rivers and further underscores Wike’s enduring political influence across party lines—according to IReporter Online.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”