Rivers LG Poll: Fubara Loses Grip as APC Wins in Suspended Governor's Council

Rivers LG Poll: Fubara Loses Grip as APC Wins in Suspended Governor's Council

  • APC candidate Barrister James A. James has won the Opobo/Nkoro chairmanship election with 37,822 votes, according to RSIEC
  • Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not participate and was absent from his polling unit, leaving supporters disappointed
  • The election result comes amid Rivers State’s political crisis, with President Tinubu appointing a Sole Administrator to oversee governance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured victory in the chairmanship election held in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home council of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Barrister James A. James, the APC candidate, was declared winner of Saturday’s poll by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Nyesom Wike’s influence continues to shape Rivers politics as Fubara loses out in Opobo/Nkoro.
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara faces fresh political setback as APC secures victory in his home council. Photo: FB/DirSiminalayiFubara
Source: Instagram

APC beats absent Fubara at home

Announcing the result on Sunday, RSIEC chairman, Michael Odey, said James polled 37,822 votes to emerge victorious.

Governor Fubara did not take part in the local government election. Residents reported that he was absent from his polling unit on Saturday, leaving many of his supporters and kinsmen disappointed after waiting several hours.

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Rivers crisis: Fresh twist as Fubara, loyalists shun LG election after reconciling with Wike

The absence of the suspended governor came amid the deepening political crisis in the state. Both Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly remain suspended from office following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.

Fubara’s suspension and absence at the polls deepen his struggles.
Political tide is shifting in Rivers State as the suspended governor Fubara suffers defeat on home soil. Photo: RIversStateGovt
Source: Facebook

As part of the emergency measures, the President appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance during the crisis.

The outcome of the election in Opobo/Nkoro, which traditionally aligns with Fubara, has drawn attention as the APC strengthens its political standing in the region.

The victory also signals a major shift in local dynamics, with the opposition party consolidating support in the suspended governor’s home base.

"Nobody can intimidate me": Wike fires at protesters

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims by a group of local contractors that his administration is indebted to them to the tune of N5.2 billion.

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He maintained that the disputed projects were never approved by him but were irregularly awarded by civil servants acting without authority.

On Monday, aggrieved contractors stormed the minister’s residence with placards, accusing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of refusing to pay for jobs they allegedly completed, the Punch reported.

Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Lere Olayinka, Wike dismissed the allegations. He said his administration had not awarded any new contracts since he took office and had instead focused on clearing liabilities left behind by the previous administration.

According to him, over N10 billion of verified arrears had already been settled.

Did Wike collapse in Abuja?

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, refuted claims that his principal collapsed during a meeting on Friday, March 28, and was flown to France for medical attention.

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Breaking: "This election has been conducted," Wike declares, votes in Rivers LG polls, video emerges

Recall that report making the rounds in the polity alleged that Wike’s collapse was due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a partial stroke.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha avatar

Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng