Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recently concluded Rivers State Local Government elections, describing the process as shameful, shambolic, and a travesty of democracy.

In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of “throwing caution to the wind” in pursuit of political advantage. He added that the manner in which the polls were conducted is evidence that the party is willing to sacrifice democratic values to achieve its goals.

“The local government election conducted by the occupation government in Rivers State is an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy,” Atiku said.

He further accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of taking Nigeria on a “dangerous curve” with the way the Rivers LG elections were handled, urging the international community and well-meaning Nigerians to call him to order.

Atiku also urged opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the outcome of the polls, which were largely won by the APC. He insisted that the “occupation government” that conducted the elections lacked legitimacy and had no constitutional right to oversee such a crucial exercise.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Rivers, Atiku said:
“I wish to share my unflinching solidarity with the good people of Rivers State, who are currently victims of political brigandry by a power cabal determined to overturn their democratic rights at all costs.”

The statement comes amid widespread criticism from political figures and civil society groups, who have questioned the credibility of the elections.