Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists were missing in action on Saturday during the state’s local government elections, fueling fresh debates about his anticipated return to office next month.
Fubara, who hails from Opobo/Nkoro LGA, did not show up at his polling unit despite the arrival of electoral materials in the area. Sources revealed he had travelled to London ahead of the exercise. His key allies, including former council chairmen, Government House officials, and members of his Simplified Movement, also stayed away from the polls.
The elections, conducted under the supervision of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, largely favoured the All Progressives Congress. Out of the 23 council areas, the APC secured 20 chairmanship seats, while three were allocated to the Peoples Democratic Party in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has since reconciled with Fubara after months of political crisis, expressed confidence that the suspended governor will be reinstated once the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu lapses on September 18. Wike, who voted in his ward in Obio/Akpor, described the poll as peaceful and credible, though he questioned the non-use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), the state’s sole administrator, commended the “orderly conduct” of the elections and hailed it as an important step in restoring grassroots democracy.
Despite these assurances, the elections were marred by late arrival of materials, empty polling units in several urban centres, and reports of ballot box irregularities in some communities.
Meanwhile, expectations are mounting over Fubara’s reinstatement, with legal experts like former NBA Vice President Monday Ubani insisting the governor should be allowed to complete his tenure.
The Presidency and the Attorney-General’s office, however, maintained that only after the September 18 deadline will clarity emerge on Fubara’s political future.
