Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced optimism that the Rivers State local government elections could signal the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s electoral process — one potentially free from police involvement.
Ibe shared his thoughts on the matter via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, responding to reports of the police’s withdrawal from the local elections in Rivers State. He stated, “The withdrawal of the @PoliceNG from today’s #RiversLGAPolls2024 will confirm to the whole world the anti-democratic elements and institutions in Nigeria. The outcome of the election may usher in a new regime in which our elections are better off without the police.”
Despite the absence of police, voting in Rivers State reportedly proceeded peacefully. Election officials were seen simultaneously conducting accreditation and voting at polling units in Port Harcourt’s Ikoku Area, Units 14 and 15, Ward 18.
The Rivers State Police Command had earlier announced their withdrawal from providing security for the election. According to a statement from the state police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the force was complying with a Federal High Court judgment from September 30, 2024, which barred police involvement in the elections. Additionally, the command acknowledged a restraining order prohibiting them from deploying officers for election duties.
The peaceful conduct of the elections without police presence has raised questions about the future role of security forces in Nigeria’s electoral process, and whether a new precedent may have been set.
