Several allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have secured chairmanship and councillorship tickets ahead of the August 30, 2025, local government elections in Rivers State. Political parties conducted their primaries across different centres in the state on Saturday, following the release of election guidelines by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Candidates emerged on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) through various modes, including indirect primaries, direct primaries, and consensus arrangements. Among those who clinched chairmanship tickets are Dr Chidi Lloyd (Emuoha LG), Dr Thomas Bariere (Khana LG), and Confidence Dekor (Gokana LG). Others include Mbakpone Okpe (Tai LG), Akuro Tobins (Okrika LG), Allwell Ihunda (Port Harcourt City LG), and Onengiyeofori George (Asari-Toru LG). Our correspondent gathered that all of the above-named individuals previously served as elected local government chairmen during Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State. Other selected candidates include Shedrack Chukwu (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LG), Uchechukwu Obasi (Omuma LG), Michael Williams (Degema LG), Okechukwu Akara (Oyigbo LG), and Abinye Pepple (Bonny LG). Vincent Nemioboka also emerged for Ogu/Bolo LG, while Chima Njoku secured the ticket for Etche LG—both considered loyalists of Wike. However, candidates for about eight local government areas are yet to be confirmed. In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo emerged as the APC chairmanship candidate after polling 64 out of 65 votes in the party’s primary election.