Former Senate President and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed disappointment over the party’s dismal performance in the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State.
Speaking in an interview, Wabara attributed the PDP’s poor showing to internal conflicts and the failure to heed warnings from senior party members.
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Wabara emphasized that the political crisis within the party played a significant role in its defeat, allowing the Action Peoples Party (APP) to claim victory in 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats, according to results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The results for Etche Local Government Area are still pending, and RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), confirmed that the final results for the 319 councillorship seats will be announced after collation is completed.
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For Wabara, the loss represents a historical setback for the PDP, which has dominated Rivers State politics since 1999.
“This is the first time in recent local government elections where the ruling party and the governor’s party has lost control at the grassroots level. The PDP has effectively sabotaged itself,” Wabara said.
He warned that the loss may signal deeper troubles for the PDP, casting doubt on its ability to reclaim the state in the 2027 elections.
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Wabara revealed that party elders had cautioned against the brewing crisis, but their advice went unheeded.
“We foresaw this outcome and tried to advise the leadership, but instead of listening, we were dismissed. Now, the consequences are evident for all to see.”
The BoT Chairman called for urgent action to repair the party’s internal fractures, stressing that the election result is a stark reminder that political complacency can lead to downfall.
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He urged party members to come together and rebuild the PDP in order to regain its former strength.
“We have learned a tough lesson, but it’s not too late to turn things around. The PDP must unite, resolve its differences, and work as a cohesive unit if it hopes to make a comeback in 2027,” Wabara concluded.
