The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Saturday expressed profound satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State. He commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the elections were held, highlighting the crucial legal implications stemming from a Supreme Court ruling. According to Wike, the Supreme Court had unequivocally ruled against the existence of caretaker committees in local governments, meaning that without elected officials, funds from the Federation Account would not be disbursed to local government accounts. Therefore, he emphasized, the conduct of these elections was vital to prevent a vacuum and ensure financial stability at the grassroots, especially in anticipation of the lifting of the emergency rule.

Wike made his remarks after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom), Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He praised the residents of the state for their participation, particularly in residential areas, while acknowledging that commercial zones typically see lower voter turnout. He expressed being 'very impressed' with the turnout, citing numerous reports from rural areas indicating large numbers of participants, which he stated made him very happy.

Addressing concerns about the legality of the elections, Wike dismissed fears that the Supreme Court might set them aside. He clarified that the previous election, conducted in October 2023 under suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was deemed 'no election' by law and consequently annulled by the Supreme Court. He stated, "Today we are holding a valid election, which is why people are turning out to vote. If you do something that is not recognised by law, of course, it will be set aside. But now that the process is clear and legally valid, nobody is worried." He reiterated that the successful conduct of the polls assured local governments of direct funding from the Federation Account, a crucial step for stabilizing governance at the grassroots.

The successful conduct of these local government elections is poised to pave the way for a smooth return of democratic governance in Rivers State on September 18, the expected end date of the six-month emergency rule. Wike stressed the necessity of these elections to ensure that all three arms of government – the governor, the state assembly, and elected local government officials – are complete and can function effectively once democracy is fully restored. "Everyone must support this process in order to stabilise governance at the grassroots. By the time the emergency rule is lifted in September, the governor and the State Assembly will return, and without elected local governments, it would not have been complete," Wike explained.

However, despite Wike's satisfaction, the exercise was met with widespread voter apathy in many areas, particularly in Obio/Akpor and other parts of the Port Harcourt Metropolis. Reporters observed only a handful of voters at most polling units, with the majority of residents engaging in normal activities or watching from a distance. Marvel Worika, a resident of Rumigbo, described the election as a "charade," expressing concerns about predetermined outcomes and the prevalence of single candidates on the ballot, which she felt negated the purpose of voting. "For instance, in this Obio/Akpor Chairmanship contest, who is standing against the PDP candidate, Gift Worlu? Even Chief Tony Okocha and his APC, who were everywhere, failed to produce a candidate for Obio/Akpor. This is the same pattern across the 23 local government areas, where only one candidate is on the ballot," Worika highlighted.

Chief Tony Okocha, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also spoke to journalists, acknowledging the low turnout but stating it was "neither strange nor unexpected" as some people choose indifference. He urged the eventual winners to be people-oriented, provide quality governance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and carry everyone along irrespective of political affiliation, noting they hold the people's trust.