Former Rivers State governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, has alleged that the 2015 governorship election in Rivers State was not conducted on a level playing field, claiming that associates and relatives linked to Nyesom Wike were appointed as electoral officers.…....
Speaking during an interview on Nevon HQ with Rufai Oseni, Peterside said his team observed signs that some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Rivers State were allegedly aligned with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, his camp had earlier engaged with state-level INEC officials who allegedly indicated support for Jonathan’s administration, noting that the former president is from the Ijaw ethnic group.
Peterside further claimed that, before the governorship election, his team discovered that several individuals appointed as supervisors, presiding officers, and returning officers were allegedly aides, relatives, and close associates of Wike.
He said his party submitted evidence and protested the appointments, arguing that the officials could not act independently because of their alleged ties to the then Peoples Democratic Party candidate.
According to Peterside, despite the complaints and evidence presented, the electoral body allegedly failed to replace the officials involved.
He maintained that his camp only sought a fair electoral process and equal treatment for all political parties during the election.
In his words, “We discovered that Wike’s aides, relatives, and those aligned with him were appointed as supervisors, presiding officers, and returning officers. We protested before the governorship election and provided enough evidence.”
