In a shocking revelation, Rivers State APC factional chairman Tony Okocha has admitted to rigging local government elections during the tenure of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Okocha, who served as Chief of Staff under Amaechi, claims his confession should be seen as whistleblowing, sparking debates about accountability and justice.
Tony Okocha, the embattled factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has made a startling admission—revealing that he actively participated in rigging local government elections during the tenure of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Okocha, who served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff between 2007 and 2015, claims that his role in election malpractice was not hidden and should be considered as whistleblowing rather than a crime.
In an interview with Channels TV, he laid bare his involvement in manipulating electoral outcomes under Amaechi’s administration. According to him, his actions were well known, and instead of being criticized, he should be praised for shedding light on the issue. “On the issue of whether I rigged the election, I did not hide it. I should be praised as a whistleblower,” he said, making a bold case for his revelation to be seen in a positive light.
His confession has reignited conversations about electoral integrity, especially concerning past administrations in Rivers State. Okocha’s statement comes at a time of political tension within the state’s APC, where factions continue to clash over control and influence. His comments could further escalate the already heated political atmosphere, given that Amaechi remains a significant political figure in Rivers and national politics.
Tony Okocha’s assertion that “election riggers should not be behind bars” has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the accountability of past political actions. The embattled chairman argues that since he has come forward voluntarily, the law should not take retroactive action against him. He likened his confession to a former criminal coming forward to admit guilt, emphasizing that this should be seen as a contribution to transparency.
“If you were an armed robber yesterday, and today you came to confess that you stole something somewhere yesterday, are you saying that the law will now take retroactive effect? The answer is No,” He said during the interview, further justifying his position.
His comments about going to court reveal the deeper political motivations behind the confession. Tony Okocha suggested that the reason for his public disclosure was to prevent others from using the same rigging tactics in current and future elections. “When you have an idea of a thing, and you see the other person also wants to use the tactics that you already know, you will shout. That is the reason why we went to court,” he added.
This confession adds another layer to the ongoing political struggles in Rivers State, particularly within the APC. The internal conflicts and power struggles have seen several high-profile battles, with Amaechi’s influence still casting a long shadow over state politics. Tony Okocha admission could potentially open the door for further investigations into past elections in the state and beyond.
While some may view Tony Okocha revelation as a bold step towards accountability, others are calling for legal action to be taken against him and any other individuals involved in the rigging. As the political landscape in Rivers continues to evolve, this confession will likely remain a critical point of debate in the state’s political discourse. WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
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