Peter Obi Blasts Rivers LG Election as “Rascality Taken Too Far” and a “Double Tragedy” for Democracy
The former presidential candidate lambasts the election overseen by a sole administrator as a desecration of democratic foundations, triggering nationwide concern.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — September 1, 2025
In a direct condemnation that reverberated across Nigeria, Peter Obi—former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate—attacked the integrity of Rivers State’s local government election. Held on August 30, the poll saw the APC secure 20 of 23 seats, while the PDP captured just three. The election was conducted under a sole administrator’s supervision, a move that Obi described as illegitimate and deeply undemocratic.
On X, Peter Obi decried the election as “rascality taken too far” and a “double tragedy for our democracy.” He wrote:
“It represents a double tragedy for our democracy when a sole administrator—himself illegally appointed—dares to conduct an election that should empower the people. This is not democracy; it is the outright desecration of its very foundation.”
He further insisted the process was unconstitutional, legally untenable, and morally indefensible, warning that “illegality can never give birth to legitimacy” and branding governance without popular will as inherently dangerous.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined Obi in denouncing the election, calling it a “travesty of democracy.” He urged all opposition parties in Rivers to reject the results, characterizing the exercise as a power grab by the Tinubu administration and a stark departure from democratic norms.
Obi underscored the urgency of grassroots democracy, stating:
“If we truly seek progress, we must uphold the sanctity of the ballot, safeguard the people’s right to choose…”
Obi’s rebuke highlights the widening democratic deficit at the state level. In substituting elected local councils with appointed administrators under the ruling party’s oversight, state governance risks hollowing institutional legitimacy and extinguishing citizens’ voice—especially in regions historically marginalized in the national narrative.
Maintaining electoral fidelity is vital not just for political stability but for retaining citizens’ trust. Obi’s condemnation reflects a broader call to renew Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and grassroots sovereignty.
