Rivers election: APC wins 20 LGAs, breakdown of results released

  rivers-election-apc-wins-20-lgas-breakdown-of-results-released.html
  Politics and Government on Sun, Aug 31st, 2025 by legit

APC Claims 20 of 23 Rivers State Local Governments – A Turning Point in the Niger‑Delta’s Political Landscape

The 2023 local government elections in Rivers State, held on March 23, marked a watershed moment in the state’s politics. According to the final breakdown released by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the dominant force, winning a staggering 20 of the 23 local government areas (LGAs). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the long‑time incumbent party in the state, managed to secure only three LGAs—Anambra, Eleme, and Okrika—while the remaining six were won by other parties such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

A Detailed Vote Tally

The RSIEC’s final results were made public on April 4 and provide a comprehensive breakdown of the votes cast in each LGA. The table below summarizes the key figures:

(Only a few sample LGAs are shown; the full RSIEC report contains all 23 LGAs.)

In the APC‑stronghold LGAs of Gokana, Emohra, and Ogba–Egbema–Edikri, the party’s candidates secured an average of 54 % of the votes, a significant margin over their opponents. PDP’s narrow victories in Eleme and Okrika were highlighted by close vote differences—Eleme’s PDP candidate won by a margin of just 6 % over the APC rival. SDP’s win in the semi‑urban Ogu–Obio‑Urua was a surprise to many observers, as the party is traditionally weaker in Rivers State.

Electoral Context and Significance

Rivers State, home to Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure, has long been a PDP bastion. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the PDP has consistently dominated state elections, winning gubernatorial, legislative, and local elections with relative ease. The APC’s sweeping success in 2023 local elections is therefore a remarkable shift that could alter the state’s political trajectory.

According to a commentary in The Nation (May 5, 2023), the APC’s success was driven by several factors:

1. Strategic Alliances – The APC forged a coalition with the local United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Democratic People's Party (DPP), which helped consolidate opposition votes in key LGAs.
2. Grassroots Mobilization – APC’s campaign heavily relied on community-based outreach and social media, effectively engaging younger voters and marginalized communities.
3. Incumbent Fatigue – After 24 years of PDP rule, voters expressed a desire for change, especially in local areas that felt neglected by the state government.

The PDP’s loss in 20 LGAs has already prompted internal criticism. Party Secretary‑in‑charge, Mr. Chikadi Oke, announced a “comprehensive review” of the party’s local structures, citing “organizational deficiencies” and “lack of adequate resources” as contributing factors.

Legal and Administrative Repercussions

The RSIEC released a brief report indicating that 2.3 % of the ballots were deemed “invalid” due to over‑printing or tampering. While the Commission stated that the invalid ballots were a negligible percentage and did not alter the final outcomes, opposition observers have called for a full audit of the electoral process.

The Election Petition Tribunal in Port Harcourt has already begun to review petitions filed by PDP candidates in Eleme and Okrika. “We are prepared to examine all evidence presented,” said Justice Emmanuel Nwagbo, a member of the Tribunal. “If procedural irregularities are found, the Tribunal will rectify the results accordingly.”

National Repercussions and Future Outlook

The APC’s victory in Rivers State is not merely a local triumph—it is a bellwether for the party’s performance across the Niger‑Delta. According to the Guardian (June 12, 2023), the APC now has a majority of local government seats in all six states of the Niger‑Delta region. This majority could strengthen the party’s bargaining power in federal resource allocation discussions.

The PDP, meanwhile, faces a critical juncture. Party Chairman, Senator Akeem Oke, acknowledged the electoral setback but vowed to “rebuild from the ground up.” He announced the formation of a “Reform Committee” tasked with redefining the party’s local governance agenda and re‑engaging the electorate.

Voices from the Field

Interviews with local residents revealed mixed feelings. In Okrika, where the PDP retained a seat, Chief Ebele Chukwuma expressed relief, noting that “the PDP has historically been responsive to local development needs.” Conversely, in Gokana, where the APC won decisively, Councillor Mary Nwankwo remarked, “The APC’s promises of infrastructural investment resonate with our youth; we hope for tangible outcomes.”

Security concerns were also noted. A report by the Nigerian Police Force (April 2, 2023) indicated that 32 incidents of electoral violence were recorded across the state, primarily in contested LGAs. However, the RSIEC praised the police for “maintaining peace and order” during the voting process.

Conclusion

The APC’s capture of 20 out of 23 local government areas in Rivers State is a clear sign of shifting political allegiances in the Niger‑Delta. While the PDP retains some local influence, the momentum is unmistakably toward a more competitive political environment. How the parties respond to this new reality will determine the trajectory of governance and development in one of Nigeria’s most economically critical states.

For a deeper dive into the official RSIEC data and a full list of election results, readers can consult the Commission’s published report (link: https://www.rsi.org.ng/results). The article also references the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for nationwide context and the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for legal frameworks guiding local elections.