The Digest:
The recently concluded Local Government Elections in Rivers State have ignited a new political storm, with many calling the process a mockery of democracy. The bulletin for a storm-proof Nigeria offers a factual breakdown of the events and their implications, as the results are viewed by many as a strategic move to transfer power to the APC.
Key Points:
- The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission held the polls despite widespread opposition.
- The state's ruling PDP secured only three of the 23 chairmanship seats contested.
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) won the remaining 20 local government areas.
- Critics, including former VP Atiku Abubakar, have described the polls as a "shambolic absurdity."
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his key allies were notably absent from the election.
- Analysts suggest the results confirm an earlier political pact with Minister Nyesom Wike.
- Wike has publicly defended the elections, stating they were legally conducted and would be upheld by the courts.
