AA Candidate Describes Rivers By-Election as a Charade

Dr. Douglas Fabeke, the Action Alliance (AA) senatorial candidate for the recent Rivers South-east by-election, has declared his intention to challenge the election's outcome through legal channels. Fabeke alleges that the election was marred by numerous irregularities that compromised its credibility.

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Although many Nigerians have lost faith in the judicial system, I have evidence that no judge can ignore in delivering judgment.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Fabeke accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing in several critical aspects necessary for a free and fair election. His allegations include the non-provision of result sheets at many polling units, the relocation of electoral officials to private hotels where results were allegedly manipulated, facilitation of vote buying, diversion of election materials to private residences, and instructions to presiding officers to disregard the Electoral Act by not uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

Fabeke expressed confidence in his evidence, stating, "Although many Nigerians have lost faith in the judicial system, I have evidence that no judge can ignore in delivering judgment." He characterized the election as "a charade" and asserted that his team possesses documented proof to support their challenge.

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This election was a charade, and we have documented proof to challenge it.

The AA candidate issued a warning to Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was declared the winner by INEC. "He should not rejoice yet. A serious legal battle with concrete evidence awaits him," Fabeke stated. He further added that his legal team would also advocate for the rights of voters whose ballots, he claimed, were unlawfully overturned during the collation process.

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He should not rejoice yet. A serious legal battle with concrete evidence awaits him.

Fabeke also dismissed reports suggesting a coalition between the AA and the ruling party. "Let me make this clear: as the AA candidate, I have no coalition agreement with any political party, including the ruling party. We contested this election independently," he affirmed. The by-election was held to fill the Rivers South East Senatorial seat vacated by the death of Senator Bari Mpigi. As of press time, INEC had not yet responded to Fabeke's allegations. Fabeke is expected to present his evidence to the Election Petition Tribunal within 21 days of INEC's official declaration of results.

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Let me make this clear: as the AA candidate, I have no coalition agreement with any political party, including the ruling party. We contested this election independently.