Critics Slam Rivers State Local Government Elections as “Unconstitutional, Democratic Scam”
The Rivers State local government elections, held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, have sparked a political storm, with opposition leaders and civic voices condemning the polls as fraudulent and unconstitutional.
On Sunday, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission announced the results, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner in 20 out of 23 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured the remaining three.
Atiku Abubakar: “Travesty of Democracy”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar swiftly rejected the results in a statement posted on X, calling the process “a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.”
“All opposition parties in Rivers State should reject the local government election on the premise that the occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws,” he declared.
Atiku accused the ruling party of throwing caution aside to achieve “an inordinate political advantage” and urged the international community to take note. He also expressed solidarity with Rivers residents, whom he described as “victims of political brigandry.”
Civil Society Outrage
Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, branded the election “a democratic scam”.
“What played out in Rivers State on Saturday can only be described as unprecedented political manoeuvring, which is a sham, and what looks like a democratic scam,” he said.
Epelle warned of a looming constitutional crisis, noting that the outcome would likely face multiple court challenges.
Missing Governor, Rising Distrust
The elections were also marked by the absence of suspended Governor Siminilayi Fubara, who not only missed voting but also lost his own polling unit. His suspension earlier this year deepened political divisions, with observers pointing to former Governor Nyesom Wike’s enduring influence over state politics.
Analysts argue the polls raise fundamental questions about accountability, fairness, and whether political sponsorship outweighs the people’s mandate in Rivers State.
Peter Obi: “Rascality Taken Too Far”
Labour Party leader Peter Obi joined the chorus of criticism, calling the elections:
“Rascality taken too far. It represents a double tragedy for our democracy when a Sole Administrator—himself illegally appointed—dares to conduct an election that should empower the people. This is not democracy; it is the outright desecration of its very foundation.”
Social Media Reactions
The controversy has spilled online, with Rivers residents and political commentators expressing outrage:
Bigger Picture
The uproar over the Rivers polls is less about who won or lost and more about the legitimacy of the electoral process itself. Critics say the episode underscores Nigeria’s fragile democratic institutions and the urgent need for electoral reforms to restore faith in governance.
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