Rivers South-East election dispute erupts as AA and LP reject PDP victory, alleging irregularities and calling for cancellation of the by-election

Tensions have emerged following the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election after candidates of the Action Alliance (AA) and the Labour Party (LP) rejected the declared result, alleging widespread irregularities and calling for the outright cancellation of the poll.

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The Rivers South-East Election Dispute followed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the contest, after he polled 47,961 votes across the seven local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Tai, Oyigbo, Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro.

INEC had earlier cleared four political parties for participation in the by-election, including the PDP, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and Action Alliance.

However, shortly after the announcement, Action Alliance candidate Douglas Fabeke strongly rejected the outcome, alleging manipulation of the process and accusing electoral officials and security operatives of collusion.

Fabeke claimed that fake result sheets were circulated during the exercise and insisted that legal action would follow.

“In this situation, we will not keep quiet. We will continue to raise our voice… We are going to file a case against INEC and PDP,” Fabeke said.

He further alleged systemic failures in election logistics, claiming that the electoral body struggled with materials distribution and transparency during the exercise.

“It appears that INEC faced significant challenges, including insufficient funds to cover logistics… Furthermore, the commission failed to provide result sheets, which are essential for conducting elections,” he stated.

Fabeke also accused unnamed officials of compromising the process through alleged inducements and improper handling of election materials, claims that have yet to be independently verified.

According to him, party agents were instructed not to sign any documents they believed could compromise their position, as the party prepares to challenge the outcome.

Similarly, Labour Party candidate Kinani Sam also rejected the result, describing the process as compromised and calling for its cancellation.

“The supervisor was found in the secretary’s vehicle, driving him around with the police. So it is completely compromised,” Sam alleged.

He added that his party possesses video, pictorial and voice evidence of alleged misconduct involving electoral officials and local stakeholders.

“We have video and pictorial evidence and voice notes of some of the INEC and local government officials,” he said.

The Labour Party candidate warned that failure to address the complaints could trigger further legal action.

In response, the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) spokesperson, Geraldine Ekelemu, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the election was conducted in line with established procedures.

She maintained that dissatisfied candidates retain the right to seek legal redress if they believe the process was flawed.

“It is within everybody’s right where they feel an activity is not properly done… I believe if they have to prove what they are alleging, that will also be good for them to take it up,” Ekelemu said.

The disputed outcome has added to ongoing concerns about electoral credibility in Nigeria, with observers noting that allegations of logistical lapses, result manipulation claims and post-election disputes continue to shape public trust in the democratic process.

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As the Rivers South-East Election Dispute intensifies, attention is now shifting toward possible legal challenges that may further test the integrity of the electoral framework ahead of future polls.