In a surprising revelation, Tony Okocha, embattled Rivers State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly confessed to rigging local council elections during the tenure of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Okocha, who served as Chief of Staff to Amaechi between 2007 and 2015, made this admission during a television interview.
Okocha, who was recently ousted as the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee chairman by a Port Harcourt High Court, stated that he did not attempt to hide his role in the election malpractice.
Despite his admission, Okocha defended his actions, insisting that he should be seen as a whistleblower for coming forward.
When challenged by the TV host, who suggested that election riggers should face legal consequences, Okocha argued against retroactive punishment.
He said, “On the issue of whether I rigged the election, I did not hide it. I should be praised as a whistleblower. If you were an armed robber yesterday, and today you confess, the law does not take retroactive effect.”
Okocha further explained that his admission was spurred by ongoing political activities and his desire to expose those attempting to use similar rigging tactics.
He cited this as the motivation behind taking legal action in recent political disputes. His confession has sparked outrage and raised concerns over electoral malpractice during Amaechi's administration.
Watch the interview below: