Wike Responds to Atiku and Obi Over Rivers LG Election Legality

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has strongly countered claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who had both questioned the legality of the recent local government elections in Rivers State.

In a media interaction on Monday, Wike emphasized that the elections were conducted lawfully and in accordance with established protocols. He rejected the notion that the polls were illegal, pointing out that no court had ruled them as such. Wike further asserted that neither Atiku nor Obi had the authority to make such claims, as they lacked legal standing on the matter.

Addressing Atiku’s remarks, Wike suggested that the former vice president might not be fully aware of the legal framework that governs emergency rule, citing a 2004 regulation signed by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Wike urged Atiku to avoid making comments on legal matters outside of his expertise.

In his response to Obi, Wike questioned the credibility of the Labour Party candidate, recalling that while Obi was governor of Anambra State, he had overseen local government elections just two months before the end of his tenure. Wike pointed out that this action seemed contradictory to Obi’s current stance against the Rivers elections.

This exchange underscores the ongoing political debate surrounding the Rivers State local government elections and highlights the differing views on electoral processes in Nigeria. As the conversation continues, it remains a key issue in the broader discourse on electoral integrity and governance in the country.