APC Dominates Rivers State LG Polls with 20 Wins, PDP Secures Three

The political landscape of Rivers State has been significantly altered as the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a landmark victory in the local government elections, winning the chairmanship seats in 20 of the 23 LGAs. The results, announced by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, indicate a major power shift, with the state’s ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), managing to win only three LGAs.

The PDP’s victories were reportedly limited to stronghold areas, including Port Harcourt, but the scale of the APC’s win has raised questions about the political dynamics in the state. The polls, held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, were not without controversy. A major point of contention was the allegation that the RSIEC failed to give the mandatory 90-day notice for the elections, leading to boycotts and criticism from opposition groups. As previously reported, Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, also weighed in, calling the process “a rascality taken too far.”

Despite the widespread condemnation from opposition figures and civil society organizations, the state government has commended the peaceful conduct of the elections. However, the low voter turnout across the state, particularly in areas where opposition parties had strongholds, suggests a significant level of public apathy and a lack of confidence in the process.

This result, a rerun of a previous poll that was nullified by the Supreme Court, underscores the complex political struggle that has been ongoing in Rivers State. The outcome is a testament to the influence of internal party crises and shifts in political loyalties, which have shaped the balance of power on the ground. For the APC, this victory is a significant achievement and a strategic win ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the PDP, the loss of its grassroots dominance will be a major blow, forcing the party to re-evaluate its strategy and address the internal issues that may have contributed to its defeat.