A Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of the recent local‑government election in Rivers State. Atiku had expressed concerns over the election results, suggesting that a powerful group was attempting to undermine democratic interests in the state. The election, held last Saturday, saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three LGAs. The total number of votes cast for the winning council chairmen across the 23 LGAs was 2,028,871.
Atiku called on the opposition to reject the results, arguing that they did not reflect the will of the Rivers people. Olayinka, however, disputed Atiku’s remarks, describing them as “nonsensical.” He pointed out that Atiku had previously failed to condemn the murder of Deborah in Sokoto and had even deleted a tweet on the subject, questioning Atiku’s courage and honesty in speaking out on the election results.
The exchange between Olayinka and Atiku highlights the ongoing debate over the conduct of elections in Rivers State. While the APC has hailed its victory, the PDP has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the process. The dispute reflects deeper tensions between the two parties and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral system.
The situation is being closely watched because it may have implications for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. As the aftermath unfolds, it remains to be seen how the opposition will respond to the results and what steps will be taken to address concerns over the election’s conduct. The development could significantly impact the political dynamics in Rivers State and potentially influence the wider democratic process in the country.
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