The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Police, urging them not to interfere with democracy ahead of the local government elections in Rivers State. The election, set for Saturday, has been surrounded by tension as political factions loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, protest against the process.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed that the election will proceed despite these protests. He cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the voting process, warning that such actions could lead to instability in the state. Governor Fubara has also accused the police of working with Wike to undermine the election.
Tensions escalated as some PDP members loyal to Wike and a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chief Tony Okocha, withdrew from the election, citing irregularities by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
In response, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, urged the people of Rivers State to come out in full force and exercise their constitutional right to vote. Ologunagba emphasized that RSIEC is fully prepared to conduct the election, noting that no court has the authority to halt the process under the Electoral Act 2022.
The PDP expressed support for the people of Rivers State and their right to elect representatives in a peaceful and lawful manner. They also called on the international community to hold the APC and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accountable for any disruptions to the election.
“The police must not frustrate the electoral process,” Ologunagba stated, praising the resilience of Rivers citizens in defending their democratic rights.
As tensions continue, the PDP urges calm and urges the authorities to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
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