The recent local government elections in Rivers State, Nigeria, have sparked significant controversy and condemnation, particularly from opposition figures. Atiku Abubakar, former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently criticized the elections, labeling them a “travesty” and an “awful absurdity” that undermines the very principles of democratic elections. The elections, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) securing a landslide victory, winning 20 out of the 23 contested local government areas. This outcome has been met with skepticism and allegations of manipulation, especially given the PDP’s historical dominance in Rivers State politics. Atiku’s strong words reflect the wider concerns about the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Atiku’s critique extends beyond the specific results of the Rivers State elections, targeting what he perceives as a broader pattern of undemocratic behavior by the APC-led federal government under President Bola Tinubu. He accuses the government of prioritizing political expediency over adherence to the rule of law, suggesting that the Rivers State elections are symptomatic of a dangerous trend towards authoritarianism. He uses the term “occupation government” to describe the Tinubu administration, implying a lack of legitimacy and a disregard for democratic norms. This framing portrays the elections as a deliberate attempt by the APC to consolidate its power and suppress dissent, rather than a genuine expression of the people’s will.
The former Vice-President’s call for both domestic and international attention highlights his belief that the Rivers State elections represent a significant threat to Nigerian democracy. He urges Nigerians, the international community, and international partners to closely monitor the situation and hold the Tinubu government accountable for its actions. By invoking the potential for a “dangerous curve,” Atiku seeks to raise alarm about the long-term implications of the perceived erosion of democratic principles. He positions the Rivers State elections not as an isolated incident, but as a potential harbinger of further democratic backsliding in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Atiku’s appeal to opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the election results underscores his strategy of mobilizing a united front against what he views as an illegitimate exercise of power. He argues that the alleged “occupation government” lacks the legal authority to conduct such elections, thereby rendering the results null and void. This call for collective action reflects an attempt to delegitimize the APC’s victory and potentially pave the way for legal challenges or other forms of political resistance. By encouraging a united opposition, Atiku aims to exert pressure on the government and potentially force a reconsideration of the election outcome.
Atiku’s expression of solidarity with the people of Rivers State, whom he describes as “victims of political brigandry,” further reinforces his narrative of a government overstepping its bounds and disenfranchising its citizens. This rhetoric seeks to portray the APC as an oppressive force seeking to suppress the will of the people and maintain power through undemocratic means. By framing the situation in terms of a struggle against a “power cabal,” Atiku aims to galvanize public opinion against the government and garner support for his cause.
In essence, Atiku Abubakar’s response to the Rivers State local government elections transcends a mere critique of electoral outcomes. It represents a broader indictment of the Tinubu administration’s approach to governance, accusing the government of undermining democratic institutions and engaging in authoritarian tactics. His call for international attention, his appeal to opposition unity, and his expression of solidarity with the people of Rivers State are all part of a larger strategy to challenge the legitimacy of the APC’s electoral victory and resist what he perceives as a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in Nigeria. The controversy surrounding these elections highlights the deep political divisions within the country and the ongoing struggle to ensure free and fair elections.
