Stakeholders in Gokana Local Government Area have launched a final push to get voters to the polls for Saturday’s Rivers South-East Senatorial by-election, throwing their support behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Olaka Nwogu.

The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ forum convened by the Rebuild Coalition, a non-partisan political group in Rivers State linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The meeting held at Alipin Hill in Bodo, Gokana, drew political leaders, community elders, youth, and women representatives from across the Ogoni axis.

Speakers at the forum described the election as a rare chance to secure effective representation for the senatorial district in the National Assembly. They urged residents to turn out en masse and vote for Nwogu.

“The Rebuild Coalition’s endorsement of Olaka Nwogu followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the candidate’s track record, competence, and capacity to effectively represent the interests of the district,” said former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Kenneth Kobani.

Kobani, who spoke at the gathering, expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct a credible election. He said available indications suggest the process will be free, fair, and peaceful, and assured voters that adequate measures are in place to guarantee security of lives and property during the poll.

He urged eligible voters across Ogoni communities and the wider Rivers South-East Senatorial District to come out and exercise their civic right, stressing that active participation would strengthen democracy and ensure the people’s mandate is reflected at the polls.

Kobani described Nwogu as the most qualified candidate in the race and appealed to residents to unite behind the PDP flag bearer. He said electing Nwogu would give the district a strong voice in the Senate.

He also called on voters to remain peaceful before, during, and after the election, while encouraging them to resist any attempt to undermine the democratic process.

The Rivers South-East by-election is expected to be keenly contested by candidates from various political parties. Stakeholders remain optimistic that the exercise will deepen democratic participation in the district.

The Rebuild Coalition is a political association formed by allies of Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State governor now serving as FCT Minister. Wike has maintained a strong grip on Rivers politics even after leaving office, and his endorsement often carries significant weight in local elections. The coalition’s backing of Nwogu signals that the PDP candidate has the blessing of Wike’s political machinery.

Olaka Nwogu is the PDP candidate for the Rivers South-East Senatorial by-election. He’s a relatively new face in the race, but stakeholders say his track record and competence make him the best choice. The by-election was triggered by the death of the previous occupant of the seat, though details of the vacancy weren't provided in the source.

Voting is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026. INEC has assured that all logistics are in place. Security agencies have been deployed to ensure a peaceful process. The outcome will determine who represents Rivers South-East in the Senate for the remainder of the term.