The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has urged for an immediate and thorough investigation into the Rivers State local government elections, citing widespread irregularities and disregard for democratic principles.

According to CTJ Executive Director Obinna Francis, the elections were compromised by Rivers State authorities to consolidate power.

Francis highlighted that the state government overridden a Federal High Court judgment, allowing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to receive voters’ registers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

CTJ criticized RSIEC’s involvement, questioning its impartiality and independence. Additionally, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s use of proxy parties, notably the Action Peoples Party (APP), which won 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats, raised concerns about the election’s legitimacy.

Francis strongly condemned the elections, stating, “The Rivers State local government elections were a travesty of democracy and an assault on the rule of law.” He emphasized the need for accountability to prevent a dangerous precedent that could undermine democratic governance in Nigeria.

In contrast, the Rivers State government and RSIEC defended the elections, describing them as smooth, safe, free, fair, credible, transparent, and violence-free.