The recent local government elections in Rivers State have sparked controversy, with both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejecting the process and its results.
They assert that no legitimate election took place on Saturday.
The PDP faction that aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike has described the election as a futile endeavor and has announced plans to contest the results in court.
This declaration came shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara officiated the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council chairmen representing 23 local government areas. The ceremony occurred at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the issuance of certificates of return by Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The elections, held on Saturday, were marred by violence, including explosions and gunfire. The Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged as a dominant force, winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while a candidate from the Action Alliance secured the remaining seat.
Additionally, the APP claimed victory in 314 out of 319 councillorship seats across the state's local government areas.
The political landscape in Rivers State is further complicated by an ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
After Wike's loss of control over the PDP, many of Fubara's supporters shifted their allegiance to the APP, facilitating their electoral success in various local government areas.