Rivers LGA Polls, 2024: RSIEC Declares APP Victorious in 22 Chairmanship Seats

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli, officially announced the Action Peoples Party (APP) as the victor in 22 of the 23 local government chairmanship positions contested in the recent Rivers State Local Government Elections, held on October 5, 2024. Justice Enebeli stated that, following thorough vote collation, the APP candidates had garnered the majority of valid votes across two-thirds of their wards in these 22 local government areas (LGAs).

However, the chairmanship results for Etche LGA were withheld temporarily due to the extensive area and delayed collation from its 19 wards, an outcome RSIEC plans to finalize soon. Meanwhile, the results for the councillorship positions in all 319 wards across the state will also be released at a later date.

Election Day Highlights

Justice Enebeli commended the high voter turnout despite rainy weather conditions, emphasizing the electorate’s commitment to a smooth and transparent process. He acknowledged the significant collaboration between RSIEC staff and voters, who, he noted, took ownership of the election process to maintain order and ensure credibility.

The chairman’s declaration took place in Port Harcourt and was attended by representatives from 18 political parties, Nigerian Bar Association members, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders. The RSIEC Chairman reiterated the electoral body’s efforts to guarantee a safe, inclusive, and transparent process, declaring the election as “violence-free and most treasured” in Rivers State’s local government election history.

RSIEC’s Efforts and Challenges

Justice Enebeli outlined RSIEC’s preparatory work, including conducting sensitization campaigns to educate the electorate on the importance of voting. RSIEC coordinated with political parties to display the voter register across all 6,866 polling units and ensured candidates were screened and cleared in alignment with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Law of 2018. Despite nationwide protests and legal challenges, RSIEC adhered to the scheduled October 5 election date, bolstered by recent court rulings upholding this timeline.

APP Chairmanship Wins and Next Steps

The declared winners from the APP for the 22 LGAs are:

  1. Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
  2. Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu
  3. Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo
  4. Akuku-Toru – Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide
  5. Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile
  6. Asari-Toru – Dr. Sule Amachree
  7. Bonny – Dame Anengi Barasua
  8. Degema – Dr. Harry Agiriye
  9. Eleme – Chief Brain Gokpa
  10. Emohua – David Omereji
  11. Gokana – Monday Dumiye
  12. Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi
  13. Khana – Martins Nwigbo
  14. Obio/Akpor – Amb Chijioke Ihunwo
  15. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni – Prince Isaac Umejuru
  16. Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
  17. Okrika – Igwe Achese
  18. Omuma – Promise Reginald
  19. Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
  20. Oyigbo – Gift Okere
  21. Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati
  22. Tai – Matthew Nenubari Dike

The RSIEC chairman applauded the APP, the electorate, and the wider Rivers community for their resilience and enthusiasm, which he believes were critical in the election’s success. He also emphasized RSIEC’s resolve to overcome legal and logistical challenges to preserve the integrity of the election.

As the collation process for Etche LGA continues and the councillorship results are finalized, RSIEC will maintain transparency and communicate updates promptly. Justice Enebeli expressed gratitude on behalf of RSIEC to the people of Rivers State for their patriotism, cooperation, and dedication to this democratic exercise.