(DDM) – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Rivers State local government elections, describing them as a sham and a betrayal of democracy.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Atiku, in a statement via his X handle, criticised the manner in which the polls were conducted, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democratic values.
“The local government election conducted by the occupation government in Rivers State is an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy,” Atiku wrote.
He claimed the APC-led process showed a deliberate attempt to achieve an “inordinate political advantage” by disregarding democratic norms.
Atiku called on Nigerians, the international community, and Nigeria’s partners to monitor what he described as a dangerous political curve under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“It therefore becomes necessary to call the attention of well-meaning Nigerians, international community and all friends and partners of Nigeria to the dangerous curve that the President Bola Tinubu regime is taking our dear country,” he said.
The former Vice President also urged opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the outcome of the elections, arguing that the government overseeing the process had no legal standing to conduct such a crucial exercise.
“I will also call on all opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the local government election on the premise that the occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws, with absolutely no legitimacy to undertake such a crucial and sensitive assignment,” Atiku stated.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Rivers State, describing them as victims of political manipulation and brigandage.
“In the same breath, I wish to share my unflinching solidarity with the good people of Rivers State, who are currently victims of political brigandry to a power cabal which is bent on overturning their democratic rights at all cost,” he added.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the polls were conducted across 6,866 polling units in 319 wards on Saturday, six months after the Supreme Court nullified the previous local government elections held on October 5, 2024.
According to official results, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 out of the 23 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in the remaining three.
The election outcome has triggered widespread debate over the state of Nigeria’s democratic processes, with political analysts warning of growing concerns about electoral integrity and constitutional adherence.
Follow DDM Whatsapp channel to stay connected 👇👇👇
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g
👇👇👇
🚀 *Launch your Tech Career, boost your income:* Click here: https://www.ddm.media/cohort-6