Politics
Rivers Guber: Intrigues, Unveiling Of The ‘Battle Axes’
2014 politics in Rivers State
ended not without major milestones in the activities of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the general elections slated for next month nationwide. But what started as gossips, political talk shops, then intrigues among the leadership and top notchers of APC and PDP, however, entered the crucial stage at the last quarters of 2014 when the political parties settled for their respective standard bearers.
First, it was the Rivers APC that unveiled its flag bearer for the gubernatorial race through a consensus arrangement that saw the emergence of Dakuku Adol Peterside, representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency at the House of Representatives.
Unlike PDP in Rivers State where no fewer than 20 aspirants are known to have indicated interest in being Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s successor, it was a rumour mill sort of in the state APC of who had his eyes at the Rivers Brick House after the incumbent occupant. The rumours centred around Dakuku Peterside and Senator Magnus Abe majorly, but both of them or any unknown pretender(s) incubated their governorship ambitions, perhaps for fear not to incur the wrath of “Oga at the top.”
The visit of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to Rivers State to solicit the support and votes of Rivers APC delegates to the party’s presidential convention/primary, however, provided the opportunity for Governor Amaechi and leader of APC in Rivers, to open the lid on the choice of APC’s governorship candidate and the lot fell on the Opobo-born politician, Dakuku Peterside. The consensus choice of Dakuku Peterside was ratified at the APC’s ‘yes-vote’ primary that followed days later.
Dakuku Peterside’s choice and his emergence as Rivers APC governorship candidate sparked protests by youths in some major streets of Port Harcourt. The youths believed to be of the Ogoni extraction had protested over what they called ‘dumping of Senator Magnus Abe for Dakuku Peterside for the APC gubernatorial ticket in Rivers State” and the alleged reneged of Governor Amaechi in his purported promise to the Ogonis to use their son (Abe) for the ticket.
Though, the protests did not record any casualty, it was a day the police and other security operatives would not forget in a hurry of how they worked assiduously to prevent what would have resulted in a major breach of peace around Government House, the seat of power. Acting in a manner that all was well, the camp of Dakuku Peterside promptly exonerated the Ogoni youths in their involvement in the unfortunate protests, but the dust generated is yet to settle. Political observers argue that it may never be the same again between APC and the Ogonis despite moves to reconcile the irreconcilables arising from the choice of Rivers APC governorship candidate.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial aspirants in Rivers did not hide their ambitions right from onset. They came in their numbers and when the whistle was blown for the intent and nomination forms, over 20 aspirants applied for the governorship ticket of the party. The screening committee that examined all the aspirants for the job gave its verdicts; clearing the former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike and a few others and disqualified the bulk of the aspirants. Those cleared alongside Wike were Lee Maeba, Pawariso Samuel-Horsfall, Dumbari Ben Dimkpa and Atamuno Atamuno.
Nothing beats like politics but the losers did not allow the undercurrents of politics to carry them away just like that. They trooped to Abuja and protested to the appeal panel that subsequently gave them a clean bill of health to contest the governorship primary of PDP in the state. Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, Tonye Princewill, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Nemi Walson-Jack, Bernard Mikko, Don Baridam, Dein Ajumogobia, Lancelot Ayanya and Sampson Ngerebara were among the aspirants cleared by the appeal panel to try luck at the primary.
At the Rivers PDP gubernatorial primary held at the premises of community secondary school, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, 16 of the governorship aspirants boycotted the primary on December 8, 2014, alleging that processes leading to the primary were faulty and unacceptable.
But the boycott did not in any way invalidate the result of the primary that saw the former minister of state for education elected overwhelmingly as the PDP battle axe for what the party called ‘rescue mission.’ Rivers PDP explained that it was determined in every legitimate electoral means to recover its lost mandate to APC following the defection of Governor Amaechi and the state apparatus to APC, hence the need for a rescue mission.
Wike, a two-term chairman of Obio/Akpor local government council and former chief of staff to Governor Amaechi determined to change the direction of the political wind in the state, he and the Felix Obuah-led PDP leadership in Rivers, however, adjusted the political seat and sails, apparently to reach the destination point of recovering Rivers State from APC. That prompted the setting up of peace committees across the three senatorial districts to go all out and mend fences with the aggrieved members towards enhancing the party’s electoral chances. though a hard nut to crack, the Rivers PDP is optimistic that it would overcome its challenges as it did in the past before the general elections proper.
Even as the PDP leadership has not given any thing to chance to keep its house in order before the d-day, protest is still far from over. Only recently, Chief A.K. Horsfall-led Kalabari elders’ forum reopened the old wound when it gave a seven-day ultimatum for the national working committee (NWC) of PDP to substitute the governorship candidature of Wike with any Kalabari candidate in the interest of justice and fair play.
The reaction of Rivers PDP leadership over the ultimatum was prompt and understandable. In a press release, Obuah in an unmistaken terms accused Horsfall’s forum of playing the script even as he said what the forum asked was not feasible going by the transparency of the primary.
Barring any last minute somersault which many believe is not likely to happen, both the PDP and the APC appeared set to go into the governorship contest having baptized their candidates – Wike (PDP) and Peterside (APC) for the battle of Rivers Brick House.
As Wike and Peterside secured the driving seats of their respective parties, they also chose co-pilots or better put running mates for the governorship race. While Wike presented a female from Degema-Kalabari axis of Rivers State, Peterside unveiled a male from the Orashi area of the state.
Presenting Dr. Ipalibo Gogo Banigo , in a bold attempt at wooing women in the state, Wike explained that he decided to choose a woman as his running mate because of his desire to create room for women to play active role in the political and economic development of the state.
Though, the task of choosing his running mate took Wike some time because of what he described as “rot in the governance in the state,” the PDP guber candidate said the history of the state was awash with the input of women, but regretted that none had been given the opportunity to hold an office as high as that of the state deputy governor.
The time, according to Wike, has come to give women the chance to play active role in the politics of the state, and this informed the choice of Dr. Banigo whom Wike described as a rare breed and a leader with uncommon traits to join in the task of rebuilding the state.
“The Rivers PDP is determined to move away from the primordial era of treating women with disdain and indignity. We want to move away from the acts of our opponents, who relish giving out token to women. As a step, the Rivers PDP decided that a woman should occupy the post,” Wike said, while presenting Dr. Banigo – a senior medical practitioner, ex-permanent secretary, former Head of Service in the state and Secretary to the State Government.
Banigo, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the party and Wike for picking her as his running mate. The smile at her face did not betray her loyalty and commitment to drive along with Wike to Government House, God’s willing.
Pleasant luck came the way of Honourable Asita who hails from Okaki in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State as he was picked as Peterside’s running mate. Asita, a former commissioner for youth development during Dr. Peter Odili administration, is currently a member of the lower chambers of the National Assembly.
Adjusting to political realities, Buguma-born prince, Tonye Princewill did not allow the blow of political faith lie him low when he lost out amongst others at the PDP guber race. He moved on: this time to the Labour Party (LP) where he subsequently edged out other contenders in the race and secured the LP guber ticket.
Now that the coast is clear of who and who are contending for Amaechi’s shoe, it stands to reason that the acceptability of the political party in the state, the meaning the contenders bring into play and of course, the candidate’s grassroots support will largely determine which party and governorship candidate that will carry the crown of glory at the end of the day.
Samuel Eleonu
Dakuku Peterside, APC Guber Candidate and Nyesom Wike, PDP Guber Candidate
He said he would not hesitate to activate the recall process against any lawmaker found wanting, if he returns for a second term in office.
He stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those who lost out at the recently held national and state assemblies primaries and have become aggrieved and disrespectful to the party.
While emphasizing the supremacy of the party, he said decisions were taken in the overall interest of the party and the state and must, therefore, be respected by all members.
He warned lawmakers against being insolent and arrogant to their people to the extent of shutting them out after each election cycle, saying such would no longer be condoned.
“So I am appealing to all of you. If you were born with arrogance, please just drop that ticket here”, he said.
The governor hinted that after the next cycle of elections, the process of recalling lawmakers who made themselves “tin gods” would be activated.
“Well, they say they don’t recall people from parliament, but this will be the first time.
“Anybody whom the people say they are tired of will be brought back home. Anybody who goes and forgets his people completely and doesn’t care, thinking that during elections he will come and pretend to be a good man, will be brought back.
“And we are making this very, very clear. We will not fail in what we have said. I am working tirelessly; I don’t sleep. If you are going into office during this period, there will be no sleep for you”, he said.
He advised politicians not to ignore their people who hold the power, insisting: “You cannot overlook them and become so arrogant and pompous that you don’t know your people.”
Gov. Otu also advised members of the ruling APC, who lost at the just-concluded party primaries in the state, not to defect to opposition parties like the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that they would suffer untold hardship and would not make any political headway, if they did.
“There are some kwashiorkor parties that are registering people. Such parties are wasting their time and not even my time. They cannot do anything.
“I don’t want anybody to suffer the fate I suffered. That’s why I’m warning those aggrieved aspirants who lost not to go the way of those parties to avoid unnecessary suffering.
“I don’t want anybody to go that route. It’s an absolute waste of time, energy and people’s future, because at the end of the day, you will drag people into that bottomless pit.
“And when you drag them there and can’t take care of them, you begin to rot, you begin to die. May God give me the energy and power to sustain.”
He appealed to the aggrieved APC members, saying: “There’s nothing that we cannot settle. God’s time is the best. Whatever we’ve done is for the common good of all of us.”
2027: INEC APPEALS JUDGMENT ON ELECTION GUIDELINES
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified aspects of the Commission’s 2027 General Election Guidelines.
The appeal, filed before the Court of Appeal, seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The trial court had nullified the provision in the guidelines directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of the conditions for participation in the 2027 General Election.
The suit challenging the directive was instituted by the Youth Party, which argued that the Commission’s timeline was inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, filed a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment.
The Commission also filed a motion seeking an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
INEC raised nine grounds of appeal, arguing among others that the trial court failed to determine the jurisdictional issue concerning whether the suit was hypothetical and academic in nature.
The Commission further contended that the respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the suit and urged the Court of Appeal to strike out the case accordingly.
INEC maintained that its actions were in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure the orderly conduct of elections and effective electoral administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
WHY I ENDORSE TINUBU’S SECOND TERM BID — ADELEKE
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has explained that his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 was influenced by moral responsibility and the need to sustain developmental progress.
The governor said his endorsement was not based on political calculations alone but on what he considers appropriate in view of the relationship between Osun State and the President, as well as ongoing projects benefiting the region.
The position of the governor was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke spoke on Sunday after conducting an inspection of the ongoing construction work on the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway.
During the visit, the governor reportedly commended President Tinubu for embarking on major infrastructure projects across Osun State and other parts of the South-West.
Gov. Adeleke noted that infrastructure development remains essential to economic growth and improved connectivity among communities.
He acknowledged the significance of road projects currently underway, stressing that such investments are expected to contribute to easier transportation, commercial activities, and broader development outcomes within the region.
The governor also highlighted the importance of leadership support in facilitating projects that have direct effects on residents.
He indicated that recognition should be given where efforts are being made to improve public infrastructure, particularly projects capable of enhancing movement between states and strengthening economic interactions in affected areas.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke’s remarks came while assessing the progress of the expressway project, which has continued to attract attention due to its strategic role in linking major cities within the South-West.
The governor reportedly used the opportunity to express appreciation for federal involvement in projects impacting Osun State.
His comments further reflected his view on political and regional ties, especially considering Osun State’s historical connection to President Tinubu.
Gov. Adeleke suggested that such considerations, alongside visible developmental initiatives, shaped his decision to openly support the President’s anticipated re-election effort in 2027.
He said, “I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?”
IPAC specifically said that INEC guidelines cannot supersede constitutional provisions or extant electoral laws.
The Council, which stated these while appraising the judgement of the Federal High Court, stressed that the court judgement specifically addressed exclusionary conditions capable of disenfranchising aspirants and party members during primaries.
This is contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Martins Egbeola, stating that the judgment was a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy, democratic principles and the rule of law within Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC said that even though INEC possesses powers to issue election guidelines, such powers must however, operate strictly within constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
It noted that the court judgment represented a major victory for democracy, political parties and citizens participating in Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC also said that the court judgement had restored the constitutional rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs democratically without unlawful interference through administrative directives.
“The judgment would ensure equal opportunities for eligible members to participate in party primaries without discriminatory or exclusionary conditions.
“The INEC Chairman should deepen engagement and consultation with political parties on issues concerning electoral administration and reforms.
“Greater dialogue and collaboration between INEC and political parties would help prevent avoidable disputes and litigation arising from controversial guidelines,” IPAC stated.
Prof. Yilwatda stated this while speaking on a live television interview programme.
According to him, the ruling APC was not focused on fighting opposition parties, claiming that the political battle was currently between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said, “In the last three weeks, the APC has not been fighting ADC or NDC. It is NDC versus ADC or ADC versus NDC.
“Actually, I watched with fun all the insults that the ADC is raining on the NDC and the NDC is returning those fireworks on the ADC.
“I watched the videos, and I laughed. The self-implosion is in the opposition rather than in the APC.”
When asked whether he was orchestrating the crisis in the opposition, Prof. Yilwatda denied the allegation but said weakening the opposition was part of politics.
He said, “No, I can’t. But I will be happy if I can do it. That’s my job.
“If you are opposing me, should I be happy? If you oppose me because you are in the opposition, what’s my job? Of course, to stop the opposition.”
The APC chairman also said the ruling party had stronger conflict resolution mechanisms than other political parties.
According to him, the party had committees at national and state levels to resolve internal disputes arising from congresses and other activities.
Speaking on the APC membership register and the votes secured by President Bola Tinubu during the party’s presidential primary, Prof. Yilwatda said the party relied on data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its registration process.
“To register as a member of the APC, your name and primary data are sourced from NIMC. That’s the same primary data that is used across the country to open a bank account, get a driver’s licence and secure an international passport.
“So we’re the only political party that sources our primary data from NIMC. This is why people have seen the APC as one of the most politically viable and stable parties. We are a data-driven political party,” he stated.
RIVERS ADC PRIMARY: ASPIRANT REJECTS OUTCOME, ACCUSES AMAECHI OF IMPOSITION
The governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil after aspirant Mr Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart rejected the outcome and accused former governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi of imposing a candidate.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart described the exercise as a “shambolic charade” and said it had produced three separate governorship primary “winners” within the same party.
“Right now, we have three governorship candidates in one party, all thanks to Amaechi’s high-handedness,” he told journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He warned that the situation could plunge the opposition party into crisis ahead of the 2027 elections if the national leadership fails to intervene.
According to him, while the party’s timetable fixed May 23 for the primary, aspirants were informed late Friday that the exercise had been moved forward.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he was mobilising supporters across the 23 local government areas when fellow aspirant, Hon. Farah Dagogo, informed him that a parallel process had already been conducted.
He accused the state party chairman, Mr Chukwudi Dimkpa, of inviting only five aspirants loyal to Mr Amaechi while excluding himself and Hon. Dagogo. The arrangement, he alleged, was designed to clear the path for Dr Gabriel Pidomson, whom he described as Mr Amaechi’s preferred candidate.
He further alleged that three aspirants were persuaded to step down for Dr Pidomson in what he described as a disguised consensus arrangement, despite the party’s public stance against consensus.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart claimed Hon. Dagogo later approached him to jointly resist Mr Amaechi’s camp but asked him to publicly congratulate him as the winner.
“He told me to go on air and congratulate him, saying we are from Atiku Abubakar’s political family and should unite. I told him to stop rubbishing Atiku’s name. Atiku will not be part of this nonsense,” he said.
The aspirant said he rejected the offer and subsequently declared himself winner after Hon. Dagogo made a similar announcement.
“As it stands, Farah declared himself winner, Thompson was declared winner by the state exco, and I also declared myself winner. Three winners in one primary that never held. This cannot stand,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart accused the Rivers ADC leadership of sidelining him despite being the only aspirant who formally notified the party in writing of his intention to contest.
He also faulted Mr Amaechi for allegedly imposing candidates while demanding transparent presidential primary at the national level.
“How can someone who is demanding transparent presidential primaries at the national level turn around and impose a governorship candidate in Rivers?”, he queried.
He urged the ADC National Working Committee to nullify the exercise and either conduct a fresh primary or adopt a lawful consensus arrangement in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The most pragmatic thing now is for the NWC to order a rescheduled primary or quickly adopt a lawful consensus option. Time is running against us,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he would pursue all grievances within the party’s constitution and warned Hon. Dagogo against invoking Atiku’s name to bolster his claim.
“We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries,” he said.
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