Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, has condemned the recently conducted local government elections in Rivers State, describing the exercise as illegal and a “democratic scam.”
Epelle made the remarks on Monday during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme. His comments come after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) went ahead with the elections on Saturday, despite widespread controversy surrounding the process.
According to Epelle, the elections lacked legal backing and were conducted by a government that should uphold constitutional standards.
“What played out in Rivers State on Saturday can only be described as unprecedented political manoeuvring, a sham and what looks like a democratic scam,” Epelle said.
He argued that the exercise violated Nigeria’s constitutional principles, noting that it was conducted under questionable circumstances. He did not mention names but criticized the political actors behind the poll, calling their actions a clear disregard for democratic values.
“Everything about this election that was held on Saturday was totally illegal and unconstitutional,” he added.
Epelle, whose organization TAF Africa advocates for inclusive democracy and good governance, said it was unfortunate that such a controversial process was allowed to proceed in a state with politically aware citizens.
“The people of Rivers State, we are smart, we’re civilised. They probably thought people would take to the streets. But I called on the people, especially the good youth of Rivers State, not to fall into their trap,” he said.
He described the situation as a “slap on the people of Rivers State,” warning that such disregard for the law could further erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The Rivers State local government elections were held amid a heated political climate. Tensions have been high in the state following the power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political opponents, including loyalists of former governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Opposition parties and some civil society organisations had earlier raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the process. Allegations ranged from lack of proper consultation to failure to meet constitutional requirements.
Critics argue that the RSIEC went ahead with the polls without following due process, making the legitimacy of the outcome questionable.
Epelle’s strong condemnation adds to the growing list of Nigerians calling for electoral reform at the local government level. He stressed that democracy must be respected at all levels of governance, especially where it concerns the rights of the people to elect their leaders through a transparent and lawful process.
