The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has released the final list of political parties and candidates cleared to participate in the August 30 local government elections, with 16 parties making the cut.
In a statement, RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, explained that the list was finalized after a screening exercise conducted at the commission’s headquarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, between August 8 and 12, in line with the revised timetable.
Beyond the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), other cleared parties include the Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Zenith Party, Accord Party, African Action Congress, Action People’s Party, and the Social Democratic Party.
Also on the list are the Action Alliance, Youth Party, Young Progressive Party, Action Democratic Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, African Democratic Party, National Rescue Movement, and the Allied People’s Party.
While the PDP is fielding only three chairmanship candidates—Gift Worlu (Obio/Akpor), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City), and Chukwu Ogbugu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)—the APC has presented 20 candidates across the state’s 23 LGAs. Most of the APC’s candidates are known loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and many previously served as LGA chairmen during his tenure as governor. Among them are Confidence Deko (Gokana), Chidi Lloyd (Emohua), Obari Ollormate (Eleme), Akuro Tobins (Okrika), and Thomas Bari-ara.
It was also noted that the Labour Party and 14 other parties failed to field candidates for all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 23 LGAs.
Meanwhile, Odey urged political parties and their candidates to visit the commission’s headquarters to confirm the posted list of names. He also appealed to civil society organisations and security agencies for collaboration in ensuring a free, fair, and credible election.
