The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the involvement of the Nigeria Police in the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area (LGA) elections, warning that their actions could undermine the democratic process.
The party has called on the police to refrain from interfering and urged the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse for the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, reaffirmed that the elections will proceed despite growing tensions sparked by protests from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Fubara has warned against any efforts by individuals or groups to disrupt the elections, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate actions leading to instability.
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The controversy arose as PDP members loyal to Wike, along with a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Tony Okocha, announced their withdrawal from the election.
They cited irregularities and a lack of transparency by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Governor Fubara has further accused the police of working in collaboration with Wike to disrupt the elections.
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In a statement issued by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party stressed that the people of Rivers State are ready for the elections and called for full participation.
RSIEC, according to the statement, has declared its preparedness to conduct the polls and has all necessary materials in place.
The party emphasized that under the Electoral Act of 2022, no court has the power to halt the election process.
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Ologunagba encouraged the people of Rivers State to assert their constitutional right to participate in the elections and warned against any attempts to derail the democratic process.
He urged the international community to hold the APC and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accountable for any unrest that might occur during the election.
The PDP condemned what it described as the APC-led police force’s attempt to frustrate the election, stating that any interference in the electoral process is an affront to democracy.
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The party reiterated that the people of Rivers state are determined to exercise their right to vote and would not tolerate any disruption or suppression of their will.
Ologunagba praised the determination of Rivers residents to protect their democratic rights and expressed the PDP’s support for the state’s efforts to peacefully elect representatives who will oversee the 23 local government areas.
The PDP concluded by urging the police to fulfill their constitutional duty by ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the election to take place.
