Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, criticized the emergence of candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State. “This emergence is merely orchestrated. They were concealed or suppressed by these parties only to reappear now. The combination of PDP and APC candidates resembles a concoction that will be presented to the unsuspecting citizens of Rivers State,” Epelle remarked on Thursday.
He expressed that the electoral process lacks integrity, asserting that those in control “are aware of their actions” and “are attempting to embellish their conduct to portray themselves as peaceful individuals.” He characterized this as a calculated effort to mislead the populace of the state.
“The inclusion of PDP members is merely a tactic to obscure their misdeeds, so do not place your trust in them. Everything they are attempting is designed to create a favorable impression. A bad apple cannot be made to appear good. It simply will not occur,” Epelle stated.
When asked for his opinion on the list of candidates for the Rivers council election, Epelle responded, “They are endeavoring to present a flawed process and a substandard product as appealing. Our resources are at stake here. This is merely an opportunity to misappropriate our resources. What is truly at stake is our democracy.
“This is a well-scripted or orchestrated performance where those who have remained loyal to the FCT minister, and those who adhere to the directives of this administration, have been rewarded with positions for which they lack the intellectual or moral capacity to manage. They do not seek to lead the people; they desire the world for themselves.”
Epelle also voiced his skepticism regarding the legal and democratic frameworks surrounding the elections.
“Every aspect of this election has failed the tests of legality, morality, and common sense. I possess very little confidence in the judicial processes and the judiciary itself,” he added.
Nevertheless, he advised the people of Rivers State.
He stated, “This is not the appropriate moment to act unlawfully in any manner. Let us place our faith in divine intervention, and let us also rely on judicial intervention if it occurs. However, everything concerning this election has been unsuccessful. I am uncertain and skeptical about the inclusivity of this election.”
Rivers LG Polls
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has declared August 30 as the revised date for the 2025 local government elections.
As per the Chairman of RSIEC, Michael Odey, the choice to delay the election was prompted by the state of emergency that was declared in the state, which disrupted previous arrangements.
He emphasized that, considering the new circumstances, it was essential to modify the electoral schedule.
The updated timetable encompasses new dates for party primaries, candidate screenings, campaign periods, and the principal council elections.
Stakeholders, including party leaders, electoral observers, and media representatives, attended the announcement to evaluate and discuss the revised guidelines.
According to the new guidelines, participating political parties are required to hold their primaries between July 31 and August 3, 2025, and to submit their candidates’ names on August 3 and August 4, 2025.
RSIEC indicated that electioneering activities would commence on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
It also mentioned that the recruitment of ad-hoc staff for the elections would take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Furthermore, the agency stated that the list of candidates would be published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The state is presently under emergency rule, overseen by a retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas.
