Rivers LG Poll: Analyst Reacts As Wike Regains Control, Predicts PDP’s Fate, “Gamesmanship”

• FCT minister Nyesom Wike has regained control of the political structure in Rivers state after the All Progressive Congress (APC)'s sweeping victory in the just concluded Rivers LGA election
• In an interview with Legit.ng, top political analyst, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, described the outcome of the election as a political game as the APC secured 20 chairmanship seats, leaving three for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers
• Akinniyi predicted PDP's fate in the 2027 elections and maintained that Wike currently wields considerable influence over the APC and the PDP in Rivers state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the New Democratic Frontiers (NDF), has described the All Progressive Congress (APC)'s victory in the just concluded local government councils in the elections held Rivers state on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as a political game.

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Rivers LG poll: Analyst slams Wike, APC, PDP over alleged seat sharing, "That was never an election"

Rivers LG poll: Business as usual - Akinniyi

Legit.ng reported that the APC secured wins across 20 LGAs, leaving the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with just three councils.

According to official results announced by Dr Michael Odey, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the PDP retained control of Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni—areas traditionally seen as strongholds of the party.

In an interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, September 7, Akinniyi questioned the sudden strength of the APC in a PDP-controlled state.

According to Akinniyi, the outcome of the election showed that Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), now has a grip of the APC and the PDP in Rivers state, hence he appointed his loyalists.

The analyst told Legit.ng that:

"The witch wept yesterday, and the child passed away today, who is unaware that it's the witch from yesterday that caused the child's demise.

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"When Fubara returns": Rivers APC reveals what it'll do when the suspended gov is reinstated

"This is the adage that best explains the political maneuvers or gamesmanship in Rivers State regarding the Rivers LG polls.

"How do we explain the scenario where APC suddenly becomes strong and now winning elections, if not the handwriting of the Godfather of Governor Sim Fubara, Minister Wike. Ex-Governor Wike is both in control of PDP and APC in Rivers State — you will notice that the candidates are not from any camp except those close to him.

Fubara's return, our top priority - Akinniyi

Recall that Wike, on Saturday, August 30, revealed that the suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly will return on September 18, when the state of emergency in Rivers will elapse.

But in an interview with Legit.ng, Dare Glintstone Akinniyi emphasised that the focus should be on Fubara's reinstatement.

The analyst opined thus:

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"APC is now a threat": Wike's fresh claim spurs mixed reactions, video trends

"Nothing special in the LG Polls, it is just business as usual and for peace to reign, no one is interested in that drama. We are all interested in the return of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Gov. Sim Fubara. We are counting down to the 6months and nothing is as important as that return of Governor Sim."

2027 election will be challenging for the PDP - Akinniyi

Speaking further, ahead of the 2027 elections, the political analyst predicted challenges for the PDP in Rivers state, adding that except FCT minister Nyesom Wike is fully in control of the political structure.

Akinniyi told Legit.ng that:

"2027 will be a difficult time for PDP in Rivers State, except Minister Nyesom Wike is fully in charge of the structure. He has incessantly promised to work for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, and I wonder how he will balance his membership in PDP and love for APC.

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Atiku, Peter Obi react as APC sweeps Rivers elections, wins 20 of 23 LGAs, "rascality taken too far"

"I doubt Governor Fubara will have Wike's support in 2027 for a second term of office. There is never anything impossible in Politics, and 2027 is still miles ahead."

Wike hides details of peace deal with Fubara

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that FCT minister Nyesom Wike vowed not to disclosed the details of the truce with Governor Fubara brokered by President Tinubu.

During a recent media parley, Wike explained why he would not reveal the crucial details of the peace deal with Fubara.

Read more about Wike, Fubara here:

• 2027: Wike speaks on contesting against Tinubu
• Tinubu allegedly rejects extension bid, orders Rivers administrator to step down
• Rivers crisis: 3 things Fubara must do when he returns to office,” Top lawyer explains
• Rivers crisis: Wike breaks down, mentions how Fubara betrayed him, “I wept”

Blow to Fubara as APC captures chairmanship seat

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had secured victory in the chairmanship election held in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home council of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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Rivers election: Full list of local governments where APC lost

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

Source: Legit.ng