Rivers State Local Government Elections Marred by Controversy as Atiku Abubakar Weighs In

Strategic Insights -

The local government elections held in Rivers State on Saturday have sparked widespread controversy, with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) victorious in 20 out of 23 local government areas (LGAs). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured wins in only three LGAs: Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt City (PHALGA), and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA). The results have ignited significant debate, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the exercise as an 'awful absurdity' and calling on opposition parties to reject the outcome.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RSIEC declared the APC victorious in 20 out of 23 LGAs, while the PDP secured wins in only three: Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt City (PHALGA), and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA).
  • Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the local government election as an 'awful absurdity' and called on opposition parties to reject the outcome.
  • The local government election was held under a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, with the state being overseen by a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
  • Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the PDP lost his home LGA of Opobo-Nkoro to the APC in the election.
  • Atiku Abubakar expressed solidarity with the people of Rivers State, who he described as victims of political brigandry by a power cabal.
  • The President Bola Tinubu regime is accused of undermining the integrity of Nigeria's democracy by conducting elections in a state with no illegitimate government.

Statistics:

  • 23 LGAs participated in the local government election in Rivers State.
  • 20 LGAs were declared won by the APC.
  • 3 LGAs were declared won by the PDP.
  • The PDP secured only 12% of the total LGAs won.
  • The APC secured 87% of the total LGAs won.

Sources:

  • A statement released by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his official X handle.
  • RSIEC's announcement of the election results in Rivers State.
  • A report by multiple local news outlets in Nigeria.