The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appears to have regained firm control of the political structure in Rivers State following the boycott of Saturday’s local government elections by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists. The exercise, conducted across the 23 local government areas of the state, was largely seen as a litmus test of strength between the two power blocs—Wike, a former governor of the state, and his estranged political godson, Fubara. Reports from Port Harcourt and other parts of the state indicate that the polls went on under heavy security presence, with candidates loyal to Wike’s camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominating the ballot. Election observers noted a relatively low voter turnout, which many attributed to the boycott declared by Fubara’s supporters, who dismissed the process as compromised and “tilted in favour of predetermined outcomes.” In some wards, loyalists of the governor reportedly staged peaceful protests, calling for a postponement of the elections until what they termed “the constitutional crisis between the state executive and legislature is resolved.” Political analysts say the boycott may have inadvertently handed Wike an edge, as his loyalists now occupy strategic positions in the state’s grassroots political machinery. Given the crucial role local government structures play in mobilizing support ahead of national elections, this development could further weaken Fubara’s grip on the state PDP. A senior political commentator, Dr. Adokiye Obele, described the situation as “a turning point in the Rivers political chess game.” According to him: “Governor Fubara’s absence and the decision of his camp to boycott the elections is a costly gamble. It has left the field open for Wike’s men to consolidate. Unless the governor recalibrates his strategy, he risks becoming politically isolated within his own state.” The tension between Wike and Fubara has deepened in recent months, with both men locked in a protracted supremacy battle over control of the state assembly and the party structure. Despite the intervention of the presidency and other political elders, the rift remains unresolved. Saturday’s outcome is expected to further reshape political alignments in Rivers ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many stakeholders watching to see whether the PDP can survive the widening cracks in its ranks. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has promised to announce official results soon, even as opposition parties and civil society groups have already called for more transparency in the collation process.