After securing an astounding 314 of the 319 council seats up for grabs in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, the Action Peoples Party (APP) has solidified its position as a dominant political force in the state’s local elections. This victory showcases the overwhelming support the party has garnered across the state, positioning it as a major player in Rivers State politics.
At a news conference held in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), disclosed the election results to the public. The results confirm APP's dominance, as the party clinched an overwhelming majority of the council seats available in the local government election.
In addition to the APP's sweeping victory, the official results show that other parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young People’s Party (YPP) each managed to secure just one seat in the election. These parties were unable to match the widespread support enjoyed by the APP, which won a total of 314 wards.
This landslide victory has cemented the APP’s place as the most influential political entity in Rivers State, drawing a clear contrast with the performance of other prominent parties. The APP’s rise to prominence has been swift, gaining the trust of voters and delivering an impressive result in these local elections.
The results also laid to rest any lingering doubts about the participation of the APC in the October 5th local government elections. Leading up to the elections, the APC’s participation had been called into question when the party’s caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, suggested that the party might not partake in the contest. This raised concerns among party loyalists, with many questioning the APC's strategy.
However, the election results have put these concerns to rest, confirming that the APC did indeed contest the elections. Despite its participation, the party achieved only limited success, securing just one seat. This marked a significant shift from previous expectations, as the APC's influence in the state appeared to have diminished in comparison to its performance in past elections.
Notably, the factional chairman of the Rivers APC, Chief Emeka Beke, had earlier asserted the party's readiness for the elections, declaring that, “As the authentic chairman of APC in Rivers State, we are fully prepared for the election.” His statement reflected a degree of confidence about the APC’s chances, but the final results revealed the limited impact of the party's efforts in this election cycle.
Despite the APC's struggles, the election results underscore the APP’s dominant position in Rivers State, marking a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the region. As the APP continues to consolidate its gains, the party’s influence is expected to grow, setting the stage for future elections.
