Rivers State Heads towards Tense Local Government Elections as PDP Calls for Calm

As tension rises in Rivers State, Nigeria, ahead of the upcoming local government election scheduled for Saturday, the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on citizens to remain calm and exercise their right to vote.

This comes after the Rivers State Police Command announced it would not participate in the election, citing a court ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Tension mounted on Friday as police operatives stormed the state’s electoral commission, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted the election would proceed as planned.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reacted to the situation by calling on the police to provide security cover for the exercise and urging the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to act in a professional manner. The PDP spokesman emphasized the need for the police to maintain order and allow the democratic process to unfold freely.

Ologunagba maintained that Rivers residents are prepared for the election and have the right to choose their local government officials. The party highlighted Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act 2022, which explicitly states that no court can stop elections pending the determination of a suit.

However, the PDP is adamant that the APC-controlled Police and other anti-democratic forces are trying to thwart the will of the people and undermine the smooth conduct of the election. The party has condemned these actions, urging the Nigerian and international communities to hold the APC and the Police accountable if there is a breakdown of law and order in the state.

It is clear that the tension surrounding the election has become increasingly charged, and all parties must take a constructive approach to ensure the peace and stability of Rivers State.