Rivers LG Polls A Democratic Scam, Totally Illegal, Says Jake Epelle
Founder of The Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle, has strongly criticised the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State, branding the exercise a “democratic scam” and “totally illegal.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Epelle said the conduct of the polls fell far short of democratic standards, with outcomes that, in his words, appeared “pre-determined rather than reflective of the people’s mandate.”
He argued that the elections, which were dominated by the ruling party, disenfranchised many residents and further eroded public trust in grassroots governance.
“The Rivers LG polls were nothing short of a scam. They were designed to produce results that favoured a particular political interest. This exercise is totally illegal and undermines the very essence of democracy,” Epelle declared.
He faulted the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what he described as its inability to conduct a credible process. According to him, the electoral body did little to inspire confidence, especially in a state where political contests at the grassroots have often been marred by allegations of manipulation, violence, and voter intimidation.
Epelle, who has been a long-standing advocate for electoral reform and inclusivity in governance, stressed that the polls represented a setback for democratic accountability. He urged civil society organisations, faith leaders, and political stakeholders to collectively reject the results and demand reforms that would guarantee transparency and fairness in future elections.
His comments add to the chorus of criticism trailing the exercise. Several opposition parties and civil society groups have raised similar concerns, accusing RSIEC of acting as a rubber stamp for the state government.
They point to historically low voter turnout and widespread reports of irregularities as evidence that the elections lacked legitimacy.
The state government, however, has defended the process, insisting that the elections were conducted in line with the law and reflected the will of Rivers people.
Government officials argue that opposition criticisms are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting an outcome that did not favour them.
Local government elections in Nigeria, and particularly in Rivers State, have long been contentious. Critics argue that state electoral commissions are often compromised, serving the interests of ruling parties at the expense of free choice for the electorate. This trend, analysts warn, undermines the principle of grassroots democracy, leaving local councils seen as the closest tier of government to the people largely disconnected from citizens’ needs.
For Epelle, the Rivers polls underscore the urgent need to revisit the framework of local government elections in Nigeria. He emphasised that until credible and independent structures are put in place, local polls would continue to be viewed with suspicion and dismissed as little more than formalities.
“The credibility of our democracy is not measured only by presidential or governorship contests but also by the fairness of elections at the grassroots. When the people lose faith at this level, the entire system is weakened,” he added.
