The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the faction Rivers State chapter, which is aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike, opposing its call to boycott the upcoming local government elections.
Instead, it urged voters to participate en masse in the elections scheduled for Saturday.
The Rivers State chapter, aligned with former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, argued that conducting the election would be illegal, citing a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja. Adding to the tension, the police declared they would not be involved in the election and attempted to seize the State Electoral Commission’s Secretariat on Friday morning, an action thwarted by the governor.
Governor Fubara reportedly led state and federal lawmakers along with other officials to repel police and miscreants attempting to disrupt the electoral process at the commission’s office. Despite the state PDP’s withdrawal and the decision of Wike’s loyalists to contest the election under the Action Peoples Party (APP), Fubara remained steadfast in proceeding with the polls.
In response to the internal discord, the national PDP leadership, in a statement issued on Friday, called on the electorate to participate in the election. The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, urged Rivers residents to “assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right” by voting in the local government polls.
The party emphasized that the people of Rivers State have the legal right to participate in democratic processes, including local government elections. It highlighted that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) was fully prepared and equipped to conduct the elections in line with the Supreme Court’s rulings. The PDP underscored that no court, under the Electoral Act 2022, has the authority to halt elections while a legal suit is pending.
Referencing Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which prohibits courts from stopping elections, the PDP condemned attempts by what it described as the “APC-controlled police” to interfere with the process. The party labeled the alleged police invasion of RSIEC facilities as a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law. However, the interference was resisted by both the government and the people of Rivers State, who remain determined to cast their votes.
The PDP warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Inspector General of Police that they would be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order in the state. The party stressed that the police have a constitutional obligation to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for the election, regardless of any personal political biases.
The national PDP commended the people of Rivers for their courage in defending their right to participate in the democratic process. The statement reaffirmed the party’s support for Governor Sim Fubara and the people of Rivers State in their effort to elect representatives for the 23 Local Government Areas in accordance with the law.
In closing, the PDP called on the Inspector General of Police to act professionally to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic values and the nation’s stability.
