A new legal petition has been filed in Rivers State, seeking the nullification of the victory of the All Progressives Party (APP) in the recent local government elections. The petition claims the polls were marred by widespread irregularities and violations of the Electoral Act.
The petition was lodged by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is contesting the results, arguing that the APP’s victory was not in line with the established legal framework for conducting free and fair elections.
In the petition, the PDP accuses the APP of engaging in election malpractice, including vote-buying, intimidation, and ballot stuffing. The party is asking the Rivers State Election Tribunal to annul the results in the 23 local government areas where the APP secured significant wins.
The PDP’s legal team argues that these alleged irregularities undermine the democratic process and call into question the legitimacy of the election outcomes.
“This is a fight to ensure that the will of the people is respected,” said the PDP’s spokesperson, adding that the party will not accept results tainted by fraud.
The petition comes just weeks after the Rivers Local Government elections, which saw the APP take a commanding lead, especially in the southern and riverine parts of the state. However, the PDP has continued to contest the fairness of the election process.
“The Rivers people deserve transparency, and we will not stand by as the electoral process is manipulated,” the spokesperson continued.
In response to the allegations, the APP has denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated. The party’s leadership insists that the elections were conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
“The allegations are nothing but an attempt to delegitimize our victory,” said a senior member of the APP. “We won this election through hard work and the support of the people. This is democracy at work.”
The party also noted that the PDP’s petition is part of a broader pattern of opposition parties attempting to discredit legitimate election results when they lose.
Ganduje Eyes 2027, Predicts APC Victory in Rivers
Meanwhile, political tensions in Rivers have escalated with a bold prediction from the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has stated that the APC will seize power from the PDP in Rivers State during the 2027 elections.
Ganduje, who is a key figure in the APC, made the remarks during a political rally in Port Harcourt, claiming that the party’s growing influence in the state will result in a sweeping victory.
“The people of Rivers are tired of the PDP’s misrule. The APC will take over the state in 2027, and we will restore true governance to the people,” Ganduje declared to the cheering crowd.
His statement comes at a time when the APC is intensifying efforts to build political support in the state, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP.
PDP Urges Jonathan to Contest Presidency in 2027
In a related development, the PDP has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider running for president again in 2027. Party leaders have been discussing potential candidates for the upcoming presidential elections, with Jonathan’s name frequently mentioned as a strong contender.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, has not publicly commented on the suggestion, but his political allies believe that he could unite the country and restore stability.
The Labour Party (LP) is also facing significant setbacks, with several prominent members defecting to rival parties. Just days after the departure of the party’s gubernatorial candidate and running mate, another major blow was struck as federal lawmaker Ajang Iliya announced his defection to the APC.
Iliya, who represents a constituency in the Middle Belt, explained that his decision was based on growing dissatisfaction with the LP’s leadership and internal divisions.
“While I remain committed to serving my constituents, I believe the future of the country lies with the APC. That is why I have made this decision,” Iliya said during a press conference.
The defection of prominent figures from the LP has led many political observers to question the future of the party in the coming elections.
