By CHUKWUMA OFILI
- APP Secures 314 Out of 319 Councillorship Seats
The Action People’s Party (APP) has emerged as the dominant force in the recent local government elections in Rivers State, capturing an impressive 314 out of 319 available councillorship seats across all 23 local government areas. This significant victory underscores the party’s stronghold in the region.
- Official Results Announced by RSIEC Chairman
Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), made the announcement in a press conference held in Port Harcourt on Sunday. The results reveal that the APP won an overwhelming majority of the wards, while the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young People’s Party (YPP) each managed to secure one seat.
- APC’s Participation Confirmed Amid Controversy
This election outcome dispels earlier doubts about the participation of the APC in the October 5th local government elections. Prior to the elections, Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC, had suggested that the party would not be participating. However, the results confirm that the APC indeed took part in the electoral process.
- APC Leadership Expresses Readiness for Elections
In a statement before the elections, Chief Emeka Beke, the factional chairman of the Rivers APC, expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the elections. He emphasized, “As the authentic chairman of APC in Rivers State, we are fully prepared for the election,” highlighting the party’s commitment to contesting vigorously.
Conclusion: A New Era for Local Governance in Rivers State
The APP’s sweeping victory in the local government elections marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State. With a majority of councillorship seats secured, the APP is poised to influence local governance and policy-making in the region for years to come. The performance of the other parties, particularly the APC, raises questions about future electoral strategies and alliances within the state’s political arena.
