The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared a resounding victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State, capturing 20 out of the 23 contested chairmanship seats. This decisive win, according to the party, reflects the growing public confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” The APC believes this outcome demonstrates the electorate’s faith in the party’s ability to deliver transformative governance at all levels of government, resonating with the needs and aspirations of the people. This victory further solidifies the APC’s political dominance in Rivers State and sets the stage for continued implementation of its developmental agenda at the grassroots level. The party expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their overwhelming support, viewing the election results as a mandate to further advance their agenda of progress and inclusivity.
However, the celebratory atmosphere has been punctuated by accusations of electoral malpractice leveled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku, who contested the presidential election against Tinubu, alleged widespread irregularities and voter suppression during the local government polls. He claimed that the APC manipulated the electoral process to secure an unfair advantage, undermining the democratic principles of free and fair elections. These allegations have been vehemently denied by the APC, which dismissed them as baseless attempts to discredit the legitimate outcome of the elections. The ruling party characterized Atiku’s claims as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from the PDP’s poor performance in the polls.
The APC countered Atiku’s allegations by highlighting the peaceful and transparent manner in which the elections were conducted. The party commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and security agencies for ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process. They emphasized the absence of widespread violence or significant disruptions, suggesting that the elections were conducted in a manner that upheld democratic standards. The APC further argued that Atiku’s accusations lacked evidence and were merely an attempt to sow discord and undermine public confidence in the electoral system. They urged the public to disregard these claims and focus on the positive outcome of the elections, which they believe reflects the will of the people.
In response to Atiku’s criticisms, the APC questioned the PDP’s own commitment to democratic principles. They pointed to historical instances where the PDP has been accused of electoral malpractice, suggesting a pattern of hypocrisy in their accusations against the APC. The ruling party argued that Atiku’s allegations were a projection of the PDP’s own tactics and an attempt to deflect attention from their internal weaknesses and declining popularity. The APC challenged Atiku to provide concrete evidence to support his claims or retract his accusations and accept the outcome of the elections.
Looking ahead, the APC urged the newly elected local government officials to prioritize the needs of their constituents and work diligently to deliver meaningful governance. The party emphasized the importance of grassroots development and urged the officials to implement policies that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens. They stressed the need for accountability and transparency in local governance, urging the elected officials to uphold the highest ethical standards in their conduct. The APC emphasized that the victory in the local government elections represents a renewed mandate to serve the people and deliver on the promises made during the campaigns.
Furthermore, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy and fostering good governance at all levels of government. The party pledged to continue working towards a more inclusive and just society, where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected. They emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and urged all stakeholders to work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Rivers State. The APC reiterated its belief in the power of democracy and its commitment to upholding democratic values and principles in all its endeavors. The party called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to move Rivers State forward and achieve collective progress.
