The people of Rivers State and residents alike went to the polls on Saturday, August 30 2025 to elect chairmen and councillors for the 23 local government areas and 319 wards of the state.
The hallmark of the election was low voter turnout, which many attributed to lack of faith in the process, as the result of the election was already a fait accompli designed to favour members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) aligned to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
It was gathered that the political structure of the Minister in both the APC and PDP would produce all the candidates that would be declared winners at the polls.
It was further learnt that the Tony Okocha-led APC would produce 20 council chairmen and all councillors while the three LGAs of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni would be won by PDP.
Polling units across the state reported minimal voter turnout, with many stations nearly empty.
The poor turnout was sparked by claims by segments of the society that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ete Ibas, a retired Navy Admiral, does not have the legal mandate to oversee elections, leading to widespread disillusionment among
Meanwhile some segments of the society have commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) following what they described as “the successful conduct of the local government elections” across the state on Saturday, with reports from polling units pointing to a peaceful and orderly process.
The commission was responsible for conducting the elections across the 23 LGAs, 319 wards, and 4,442 polling units in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), visited some areas to assess the conduct of the election. At Okporowo Community in Emohua LGA where he and his entourage monitored the process, the Sole Administrator expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters for the exercise, which he described as credible, free, and fair.
He was accompanied by the Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo. Together, they toured several polling units in Ogbakiri, interacting with voters and officials while ensuring everything went on smoothly and transparently.
Senator Magnus Abe, after casting his vote in Bera Ward 16 in Gokana LGA chairmanship and councillorship candidates, described the election as laying the foundation for the proper return of democracy in the state. He admitted initial fears, but commended the orderly and normal conduct of the process.
Also, the member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Cyril Hart was at his Polling Unit in in Bonny local government area to perform his civic responsibility.
Shortly after casting his vote, he ssid, “I wish to thank RSIEC for a seamless process, the security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy FOB Bonny, for ensuring the safety of the voters along the Riverine wards.
“I shall send in a formal appreciation letter for a job well done to serve as a morale booster.”
“Special thanks to everyone who came out to participate in this all-important election, he concluded.
From Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, voters showed enthusiasm and conducted themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner in all the wards.
A political leader in the area, Amaopusenibo Ben G. Daminabo, who spoke with The Atlantic Bell, applauded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated conduct of the local government elections in the area.
Addressing newsmen shortly after casting his ballot at Diepiri Unit 3, Ward 3, Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Amaopusenibo Daminabo commended both the electoral body and the electorate for their commitment to a credible process, noting that the orderly turnout reflected the collective resolve of the people to uphold democracy with dignity and mutual respect.
He emphasized that the peaceful atmosphere in Opobo/Nkoro was a testimony to the maturity of its people and their desire to see democracy thrive. While appreciating RSIEC’s role, he urged citizens to remain committed to peace and unity, stressing that elections must not be seen as a “do-or-die” contest, but rather as a democratic exercise that strengthens the electoral institutions.
Amaopusenibo Daminabo further called on all contestants to demonstrate true sportsmanship by accepting the outcome of the polls in good faith.
“What matters most is the progress and development of our people. We must all move forward together in unity,” he remarked.
RSIEC adopted a seamless process by ensuring the early arrival of officials and voting materials at polling units, while security personnel provided protection for residents and maintained law and order, keeping the exercise free from major disruptions.
The APC Chairmanship candidate for Bonny LGA, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple also commended RSIEC for what he described as “a well-organized and credible exercise.”
Ahead of the election, RSIEC had urged Rivers people to come out in their numbers to peacefully exercise their civic duty. The Chairman of the commission, Michael Odey, had advised eligible voters to conduct themselves in line with electoral guidelines and assured the public of adequate security to protect lives and property.
To reinforce this assurance, security agencies staged a “show of force” on Friday, which took off from the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt. The convoy, featuring patrol vehicles from the military and paramilitary, moved through major streets in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas.
Stakeholders, including community leaders and political party representatives, acknowledged the efforts in conducting the elections.
By: Miracle Chidinma Amaechi
