LG polls : Rivers people have rejected godfatherism – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described the outcome of the local government elections in Rivers State as a rejection of political oppression and godfatherism.

The election, held amidst ongoing tensions between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) win 22 out of the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, according to Adolphus Enebeli, chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The Action Alliance (AA) secured victory in one LGA.

Candidates for the APP were former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who defected to the APP after being directed by Governor Fubara to run under the new party’s banner. It is widely believed that Wike, Fubara’s predecessor, still controls the PDP structure in Rivers. The two politicians, once allies, fell out shortly after Fubara’s election victory in 2023, which had Wike’s support.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku—who had his own falling out with Wike before the 2023 general election—stated that the conclusion of the LG polls signals a new chapter for democratic governance in Rivers.

“With the local government election behind us, the dark cloud of political intimidation and judicial manipulation has lifted, allowing governance to take its rightful course in Rivers State,” Atiku said.

He added that the people of Rivers, from Port Harcourt to Onne, had spoken in unison, rejecting any form of political oppression or godfatherism.

Atiku congratulated the newly elected leaders, urging them to prioritize the welfare of the people and resist any form of tyranny or misguided ambition. He also commended the resilience of Rivers residents for ensuring the elections were conducted peacefully and Governor Fubara for maintaining the integrity of the process despite challenges.

“In the end, the true winners are the people, whose right to choose their leaders has been preserved within our democratic framework,” Atiku concluded.