A recent Local Government Area election in Rivers State has drawn widespread criticism. All Progressives Congress (APC) figure Eze Chukwuemeka Eze called the process a “sham,” alleging that it was overseen by a team appointed by Sole Administrator Ibok‑Ette Ibas, raising serious questions about its legitimacy.
The election, held last Saturday, featured only 23 candidates for the chairmanship of the state’s 23 local government areas, all linked to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Eze claims that the result sheets from every polling unit were allegedly seized and taken to a private hotel in Port Harcourt, where the figures were manipulated. He urges the public to disregard the results, noting a lack of voter participation in several LGAs, including Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio‑Akpor, and Port Harcourt City.
Despite the low turnout, the electoral body declared winners, with some candidates reportedly receiving tens or even hundreds of thousands of votes. In Emohua LGA, Eze alleges that ad‑hoc staff were seen thumb‑printing ballot papers for the APC, even though no voters turned up at the polling units. The declared winner, Chidi Lloyd, was said to have garnered over one hundred thousand votes, further casting doubt on the process’s integrity.
Eze’s criticism comes amid broader political tensions in Rivers State. Minister Nyesom Wike has previously faced scrutiny for his handling of elections, including the 2023 presidential vote, where he was accused of failing to deliver votes for his preferred candidate. The LGA election outcome is expected to be contested in court, and Eze expressed confidence that the results will be overturned due to the alleged irregularities. The unfolding situation leaves it uncertain how the electoral body and relevant authorities will respond to these accusations.
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