John Alechenu

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the people of Rivers State to exercise their constitutional rights by participating in the Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

In a statement released on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged residents to come out in large numbers to assert their sovereignty through the ballot.

This directive from the national leadership contrasts with the stance of some PDP members in Rivers State who have called for a boycott of the polls.

Ologunagba emphasized, “The PDP insists that the people of Rivers State, as a federating unit, have the right to civil control of their democratic processes, including participation in the Local Government Area election. This right cannot be abridged or taken away by any person, group, or organization under any pretext.”

He further noted that both the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the people of Rivers State are ready for the election, adding that no court, under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, has the authority to halt the process. Ologunagba cited Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that courts do not have the power to stop elections or primaries pending the determination of a suit.

The PDP also condemned attempts by the APC-controlled Police to undermine the election process in Rivers State, accusing them of invading RSIEC facilities to frustrate the election. “This is a direct affront to democracy and the rule of law, but the people of Rivers State remain resolute in defending their right to vote,” Ologunagba said.

He warned that any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State during the election would be the responsibility of the APC and the Inspector General of Police, urging the Police Chief to ensure a secure environment for the polls, regardless of personal opinions.

Praising the resolve of Rivers residents, Ologunagba said, “The PDP salutes the courage and determination of the people of Rivers State to protect their rights and elect their leaders peacefully at the local government level. We stand with the government and people of Rivers in their desire for democratic governance in all 23 LGAs, in line with the law.”