Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the recently held local government elections in Rivers State, describing the exercise as a complete distortion of democratic values.
In a post on his official X handle late Sunday, Obi described the conduct of the election as “rascality taken too far,” arguing that it reflects a deepening crisis for democracy in Nigeria. He expressed concern over the involvement of what he termed an “illegally appointed” sole administrator in conducting an election meant to empower the grassroots.
“Rivers LG Election: A Mockery of Democracy. The conduct of the Rivers State local Government election is rascality taken too far. 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,” Obi stated.
He went further to challenge the legitimacy of such electoral processes, warning that actions rooted in lawlessness only threaten the state’s stability and erode public trust.
“Such actions are unconstitutional, legally untenable, and morally indefensible. They send a dangerous message that the rule of law can be discarded at the whim of those in power. But the truth remains unshaken: illegality can never give birth to legitimacy. Any structure erected on a foundation of lawlessness is a danger to both the state and the people.”
Obi stressed the importance of protecting democratic processes, particularly at the grassroots level, where the voice of the people is most essential.
“Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this perilous path. We cannot pretend to practise democracy while silencing the will of the people – especially at the grassroots, where democracy matters most.”
He concluded with a call for electoral integrity and the restoration of public confidence in democratic institutions:
“If we truly seek progress, we must uphold the sanctity of the ballot, safeguard the people’s right to choose, and insist that leadership at every level flows from their mandate – not from contraptions that mock democracy. Only then will governance have meaning, and only then can the sacred bond of trust between leaders and the people be restored.”
