The Peoples Democratic Party has cautioned the Nigeria Police against derailing democracy, charging the people of Rivers State to participate in the Saturday Local Government Area election.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed on Thursday that the local government election will take place, despite protests from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The governor cautioned against any attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the electoral process, stressing that he would not accept actions that could lead to confusion or instability in the state.
Tensions have escalated as PDP members loyal to Wike and a faction of the All Progressives Congress, led by Chief Tony Okocha, have withdrawn from the election, citing irregularities and a lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Fubara has also accused the Nigeria Police of colluding with Wike to undermine the local government elections.
In response, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the people of Rivers State are prepared for the election.
According to Ologunagba, RSIEC has confirmed its readiness and possession of the necessary materials to conduct the election, asserting that no court under the Electoral Act 2022 can halt the process.
The statement read in part “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out en masse to vote in the Saturday, October 5, 2024 Local Government Area election across the State.
“The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.
“The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has the power to stop elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.”
The PDP urged Nigerians and the international community to hold the APC and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun accountable for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State at this time.
“The PDP in very strong terms condemns the attempt by the APC-controlled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.
“The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will, especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.
“The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria,” the party said.
Ologunagba praised the courage and determination of the people of Rivers State in their commitment to defending their right to participate in the electoral process.
The PDP expressed its support for the government and residents of Rivers in their quest to peacefully elect representatives who will manage the affairs of the 23 Local Government Areas in accordance with legal provisions.
