Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, has criticised the selection of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates for the upcoming Rivers State local government elections, calling it a calculated move to deceive the people.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Epelle said, “This emergence is orchestrated. They hid these candidates only to present them now. The mix of APC and PDP contestants is like a concoction being forced on the innocent people of Rivers State.”
He argued that the electoral process lacked credibility, accusing those in charge of trying to beautify a deeply flawed system. “They are dressing up their actions to appear noble, but you can’t polish a bad apple,” he remarked.
Epelle also dismissed the list of candidates, claiming the entire process was designed to appear legitimate while serving selfish interests. “It’s about our resources. This is just a ploy to siphon public funds. Those loyal to the FCT Minister or aligned with this administration have been rewarded with offices they’re unqualified to occupy,” he asserted.
He challenged former local government chairmen to make their records public and openly expressed his distrust in the legal and democratic frameworks underpinning the election.
“Everything about this election fails the test of legality, morality, and common sense. My faith in the judiciary is minimal,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Epelle urged residents to remain peaceful. “This isn’t the time for lawlessness. Let’s trust in divine or judicial intervention—if it comes. But this election, as it stands, is a failure. I doubt its inclusivity,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has rescheduled the 2025 local government elections for 30 August due to disruptions caused by the current state of emergency.
RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, announced the adjusted timetable, which includes new dates for primaries, screening, campaigns, and recruitment of ad-hoc staff. Party primaries will take place between 31 July and 3 August, with campaigns commencing on 12 August. The list of candidates will be displayed on 20 August.
The state is currently under emergency rule, led by retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas.