The national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disassociated itself from the claims by the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the recently conducted local government election in the state was free, fair and credible.
The opposition party also lambasted the Rivers state government for the same claim.
In a statement signed by its national chairman, Chief Ralphs Nwosu, Thursday in Abuja, ADC alleged that “members of the RISEC participated in election malpractice and were involved in thump printing which ADC agents captured on camera.”
The ADC national chairman said on the day of the election, “materials were very scanty and our members and candidates were not allowed to participate in the election because access was denied them to the election venue. Based on these, the election was in actual fact neither free, fair nor credible.
“Against this background, we therefore state as follows, THAT:We disown any publication made by the Rivers State Electoral Commission (RISEC) and the Rivers State Government that the election was free, fair and credible.
“The Rivers State Local Government Elections were marred by several irregularities, electoral malpractices, ballot box hijacking and result sheet manipulations by the ruling party, People’s Democratic Party and their agents.”
Reacting to a publication by the IPAC endorsing what was described as illegality, ADC said: “We dissociate ourselves from the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and every publication said to have been made by our executive at the IPAC conference, which held after the election.
“That move was a deliberate and malicious attempt by the IPAC leadership and Rivers State Government to give credence to the illegality.
“In conclusion, we categorically state that the position of our party ADC, remains that the Local Government Area elections as with all elections should be held in a credible, free and fair manner to establish a strong and effective political leadership and development at the grassroots level. The fact that the parties in power across Nigeria have reduced the LGA elections to a rascally, demeaning and self delusional charade is well known to all.
“We however call on the Rivers State Government to rectify things as soon as possible and give people the assurance and mandate of true democracy, which is hallmarked by free, fair and credible elections. On this note, we won’t hesitate to take legal actions and proceed to the court if the IPAC leadership and Rivers State Government doesn’t resolve things as a matter of urgency.”
