The political atmosphere in Rivers State remained tense on Saturday as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists were noticeably absent during the conduct of chairmanship and councillorship elections across the state.
In Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, where Fubara hails from, residents had expected the embattled governor to participate after election materials arrived at his ward. However, voting ended without his presence, fueling speculation about his whereabouts. Sources later revealed he had travelled to London and did not return before the polls.
Key allies of the governor, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and the previously sacked 23 local government chairmen, also stayed away from the exercise. Members of the Simplified Movement, a pro-Fubara political group, were equally absent.
The elections, conducted under the watch of the state administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), were described as peaceful despite reports of low voter turnout in urban areas, delayed arrival of materials, and allegations of ballot manipulation in some communities.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), largely backed by the political structure of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, dominated the polls, winning 20 chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
Speaking after casting his vote in Obio/Akpor, Wike expressed optimism that the state of emergency declared in March would be lifted by September 18, allowing both state and local governments to resume normal democratic functions.
Meanwhile, many Rivers residents await clarity on Fubara’s future, as legal and political voices call for his reinstatement once the emergency rule expires.
