APC Reshapes Rivers Political Map
PDP Reduced to 3 LGAs as Port Harcourt Prepares for Political Realignment Ahead of 2027
Port Harcourt | September 9, 2025 OVL News Repoters
The political landscape of Rivers State has shifted dramatically. In the just-concluded local government elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 of 23 chairmanship positions, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with just three, Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.
For the first time since 1999, Rivers’ dominant PDP finds itself facing a formidable grassroots rival. Analysts warn this could be the clearest sign yet of a major political showdown ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For over two decades, Rivers has been considered PDP territory:
1999–2015: PDP won nearly all LGAs under Peter Odili and later Nyesom Wike.
2015 General Elections: PDP polled 1.4m votes versus APC’s 120,000.
2019 Elections: PDP swept the governorship and all 32 House of Assembly seats.
2023 Elections: Opposition inroads began; the Labour Party gained youth support, while APC secured footholds in semi-urban constituencies.
Now, APC’s commanding win in 20 LGAs poses the most serious challenge to PDP dominance in Rivers State’s democratic history.
“This is the first time in nearly a decade that the APC has shown such strength at the grassroots level in Rivers,” said Dr. Chika Amadi, political scientist, University of Port Harcourt.
“The PDP’s dominance, especially in urban centers like Port Harcourt, is under serious test. What happens in the next 18 months will shape the 2027 general elections.”
“We just want leaders who will bring development, not endless political fights,” said Blessing Okoro, a Mile 3 trader.
“Elections are over. Now it’s time for them to work for the people.”
“Young people are tired of recycled leaders. If APC delivers jobs, we’ll support them. If not, we’ll look elsewhere in 2027,” said Emmanuel George, Diobu youth leader.
“Technology and civic activism are watching. Politicians can’t ignore citizens anymore,” said Ngozi Wokoma, Rivers Civic Accountability Forum.
“If APC translates this momentum into governance, PDP may face its toughest battle yet in 2027,” said Prof. Maxwell Briggs, historian and political commentator.
As Port Harcourt wakes to the reality of a new political order, questions loom, Can APC sustain its momentum? Will PDP bounce back? And will Rivers voters, weary of power struggles, see genuine change?
For many, the message is simple:
“Politics will come and go, but development is what we are waiting for.”
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