Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Rivers State government for appointing a sole administrator to oversee local council elections, describing the move as unconstitutional and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku’s reaction came after respected elder statesman Atedo Peterside warned that allowing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) — whom he described as an “illegal” sole administrator — to conduct local government elections could erode democratic principles.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Atiku likened the situation to stopping a neighbour’s house from burning to prevent one’s own from catching fire.
“I agree that what is playing out in Rivers State, with an illegal sole administrator, unknown to our constitution, conducting council elections, has implications for the rest of the country,” Atiku wrote. “I join other men and women of goodwill to condemn this absurdity unequivocally.”
The former Vice President urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly, warning that the precedent could destabilise democratic governance nationwide.
