Despite assertions from some sources that ongoing court litigations could impede the upcoming Local Government Council elections on October 5, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has confirmed that preparations are well underway for the polls.
In an interview with Channels Television, RSIEC Commissioner for Public Affairs and Civic Education, Tobins Tamunotonye, dismissed these claims, stating that the commission is not aware of any court orders that would affect the election.
Tamunotonye further indicated that 17 out of 19 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), have successfully submitted candidates from the primaries overseen by the commission.
“The River State Independent Electoral Commission under the Chairmanship of Retired Justice Enebeli is yet to receive any court order nor judgement stopping the election. In short, as we speak we are 90 percent ready for elections with candidates already screened.
In confirmation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Rivers State’s stance on not partaking in the L.G.A polls, he added, “The only party that is yet to present candidates for the upcoming elections is PDP.”
In response to concerns regarding the RSIEC’s credibility in conducting the elections, Tamunotonye reassured the public of the commission’s dedication to ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process, encouraging everyone to participate and vote.
The political landscape in Rivers State has been tumultuous, with these crises potentially impacting the local government elections. Tony Okocha, the dismissed Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has stated that his party will not be participating in the elections.
However, the state party chairman, Emeka Beke, has proceeded to conduct primaries that resulted in candidates being selected for the October 5 council elections.
The PDP’s non-participation has also spurred some of its members loyal to Governor Simi Fubara to explore joining the Action People’s Party (APP), a new party gaining rapid recognition.