The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its decision to officially request the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the 25 state constituencies in Rivers State. This comes in the wake of the defection of 25 members of the House of Assembly, stirring up a political storm in the state.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP arrived at this resolution during a meeting held on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the party’s stance on the unfolding crisis in Rivers State. Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, revealed this directive in a press statement issued on behalf of the party.
In the statement, Ologunagba emphasized that the NWC thoroughly assessed the state of the party in Rivers State before reaching this decision. The NWC has also instructed the national legal adviser of the party to take appropriate legal action in accordance with the country’s constitution concerning the defection of the 25 members of the House.
Furthermore, the PDP is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the votes and mandate of the people in the 25 state constituencies in Rivers State. The party has unequivocally stated that it will take every necessary step to ensure that these electoral rights are protected and not hijacked under any circumstances.
Part of the statement reads, “The party officially demands that INEC should, within the constitutionally stipulated time, conduct fresh elections in the 25 state constituencies in Rivers State where vacancies now exist in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a result of the defection of the 25 now-former members.”
With this resolute stance, the PDP is poised to engage in a legal and democratic battle to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and the rights of the electorate in Rivers State. The call for fresh elections reflects the party’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and fair representation for the people of Rivers State, setting the stage for a potential political showdown in the region.