The factions of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have both rejected the recent local government elections in Rivers State, claiming that no legitimate election took place on the previous Saturday.
Supporters of the PDP, particularly those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismissed the election as void and vowed to challenge the results in court. This response came as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, swore in the newly elected council chairmen from the state’s 23 local government areas on Sunday. The swearing-in ceremony occurred at the Executive Council Chamber in the Government House in Port Harcourt, just hours after the elected officials received their certificates of return from Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The local council election, which was marred by violence including explosions and gunfire, was won by the Action Peoples Party (APP), which secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions. The Action Alliance candidate won the remaining seat. Furthermore, the APP claimed 314 out of the 319 available councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs. The election results reflected the ongoing political conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. After losing control of the PDP to Wike, Fubara’s faction shifted its allegiance to the APP, ensuring significant wins in their respective local governments.
The PDP has been resolute in its opposition to the election results.
The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, emphasized that they would seek redress through the courts, arguing that the election was unlawful. He referred to a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Peter Lifu, which, according to him, prohibited the election. Yowika maintained that the election and all actions following it, including the swearing-in of officials, were illegal.
Yowika further stressed that the PDP had consistently advocated for adherence to the court’s judgment.
He criticized the state government for proceeding with the election despite the court’s ruling and asserted that his party, being law-abiding, would not resort to violence but would rely on judicial processes to ensure justice.
He pointed out that there had been protests on Election Day, with demonstrators clearly indicating that no legitimate election had occurred.
In a similar vein, Chibuike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary of the faction of the APC led by Chief Tony Okocha, expressed the same view.
He reiterated that the Federal High Court judgment should have been respected and argued that any subsequent swearing-in ceremonies were of no consequence.
He also indicated that the APC would continue to pursue the matter legally, pointing out that the state government had already taken the case to the Court of Appeal after their request for a stay of the election was denied.
Meanwhile, the faction of the APC aligned with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, took a different stance.
They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the election and stated that they would not challenge the results.
According to Chizi Enyi, the Chief of Staff to APC Chairman Emeka Beke, the party secured a councillorship seat and was content with the election’s conduct.
Enyi emphasized that their primary concern had been the legality of holding the election, and now that it had taken place, they would accept the outcome without litigation.
Former PDP Publicity Secretary and current Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara, also lauded the election as the freest and fairest in the state’s history.
He highlighted that despite the absence of police security, the election remained peaceful, which he found remarkable.
Gbara expressed that the participation of Rivers residents in the election was a positive development, as they understood the importance of their votes for the state’s future.
Although his party did not win, Gbara said his priority was the state’s welfare rather than party interests, viewing the election as a step toward the liberation of the people.
Governor Fubara, in his remarks during the swearing-in, stated that the elections represented a turning point for Rivers State.
He called on the newly elected officials to serve the people faithfully, warning against arrogance and emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership.
Fubara urged them to view their positions as opportunities for service, not power, and to work for the development of their communities.
The governor also addressed the tensions that had surrounded the election, acknowledging that there had been attempts to sabotage the process, including a plot to invade the RSIEC Headquarters.
However, he expressed satisfaction that the election had been successfully concluded and assured the federal government that his administration would not contribute to any breakdown of law and order in the state. He pledged to use peaceful means to protect the state’s assets and maintain stability.
Fubara concluded by advising the newly sworn-in chairmen to remain closely connected to the people in their respective local government areas and to foster peace and development.
He highlighted that while his administration had already made significant strides in infrastructure and development, more work remained to be done to uplift the state and its citizens.
