Fraud Alert! Election Group Exposes Shocking Truth About Rivers LG Polls

In its report, TPA highlighted several issues, including the absence of result sheets, incidents of violence, and improper collation processes, which they said undermined the credibility of the polls held across 23 LGAs in the state. Despite efforts by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt the election, Governor Sim Fubara proceeded with the polls, defying a court order that restrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting them.

The results showed that candidates from the All People’s Party (APP), widely seen as Fubara’s loyalists, secured 22 out of the 23 LGAs. TPA acknowledged RSIEC’s effort to conduct the election but called for significant improvements to ensure a free and fair process for all parties and candidates.

The report detailed various irregularities that occurred, including the absence of result sheets at key polling units, such as Phalga LGA and Ogbunabali Ward 3, which led to party agents threatening to halt the election if result sheets were not produced. TPA also criticized the use of manual voting, stating that it is outdated and vulnerable to manipulation. They called for the adoption of electronic voting to ensure transparency and accuracy in future elections.

Further concerns were raised about the early closure of polls, delayed or missing election materials, and the lack of secret balloting, which TPA said could expose voters to intimidation and reprisals. The report noted that there was no clear internal mechanism for addressing grievances before results were announced, potentially leading to unrest.

TPA also expressed frustration over the lack of communication, as the phone contacts of electoral officers were not provided to observers. They argued that the entire process appeared to favor the ruling party, leaving little room for fair competition and undermining the legitimacy of the elected leaders.

To address these issues, TPA made several recommendations, including providing result sheets in all polling units, amending electoral laws to adopt electronic voting, ensuring the availability of secret voting cubicles, and establishing transparent grievance mechanisms. They emphasized that the collation process should be more open and transparent, and that polls should only close at the stipulated time to avoid disenfranchising voters.

TPA concluded that the entire election process lacked credibility and called for significant reforms to ensure a more transparent and democratic process in future elections.