The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on voters in Rivers State to participate in the local government election scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The Rivers State Police Command had earlier announced that it would not provide security for the election, citing a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Tensions escalated on Friday when police officers stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), though Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted that the election would proceed as planned.
In response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, urged the police to fulfill their constitutional duty and provide security for the election. He specifically called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to act professionally and impartially.
“The IGP is constitutionally obligated to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the conduct of the Rivers State Local Government election, regardless of personal views. It is his duty to uphold the principles of democracy and national stability,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP emphasized that the people of Rivers State have the right to freely participate in democratic processes, including local government elections, without interference from any individual, group, or organization.
Ologunagba further noted that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has expressed its readiness to conduct the election, with all necessary materials in place, and pointed out that no court has the authority to halt elections under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).
“For clarity, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022, states that no court has the power to stop the holding of primaries or general elections pending the outcome of a suit,” he added.
The PDP strongly condemned what it described as an attempt by the APC-controlled Police to obstruct and undermine the election, in violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Electoral Act, and the Nigerian Constitution.
“The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by police operatives in a bid to derail the election is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law. This attempt was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State, who are determined to exercise their democratic rights at the polls,” Ologunagba said.
He also warned that while Rivers residents are peaceful and law-abiding, they will not tolerate any efforts to suppress their right to choose their leaders, particularly at the local government level.
Finally, the PDP called on Nigerians and the international community to hold the APC and the Inspector General of Police accountable for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State during this period.