Deborah Hundenu
In a shocking revelation, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has publicly admitted to rigging local council elections during the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Okocha, who served as Chief of Staff under Amaechi’s leadership between 2007 and 2015, made the startling confession during a televised interview on Channels TV.
Okocha’s admission has sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning the integrity of the political processes during Amaechi’s administration.
Speaking on the programme, which SaharaReporters monitored on Thursday evening, Okocha stated that he actively participated in election rigging during the period, alongside other political figures, including the current APC chairman in Rivers State, Emeka Beke.
“I did not hide it,” Okocha declared unapologetically. “I should be praised as a whistleblower.
If you were an armed robber yesterday, and today you confess that you stole something, should the law take retroactive effect? The answer is no.”
Okocha claimed his public confession was driven by a desire to expose the tactics used during Amaechi’s tenure, as he observed similar schemes being prepared for future elections.
“When you have an idea of a thing and you see someone else trying to use the same tactics you already know, you will shout. That’s why we went to court,” he explained, referencing legal actions he and his associates have taken.
Okocha further implicated Emeka Beke, the current APC chairman, in the election malpractices, stating, “All of us were together, including Emeka Beke.”
However, Beke has vehemently denied the allegations. In a swift rebuttal, the APC chairman challenged Okocha’s claims, asserting that he had no involvement in the alleged rigging.
“During the election, was I part of it? Have you ever heard me say I rigged an election?” Beke fired back during the programme.
Beke continued, denying any participation in electoral fraud under Amaechi’s government. “I did not follow you to the election. I did not partake in any election whatsoever. You rigged the election, and we are going to ask the police to arrest you for that,” Beke warned Okocha.
Okocha’s bombshell confession has heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where the APC has faced internal struggles and legal battles in recent years.
The former chairman’s remarks have also raised concerns about the extent of electoral manipulation under Amaechi’s administration, a revelation that could further impact the state’s political landscape.
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