Go for LG polls, PDP charges Rivers people, warns police against derailing democracy

In a powerful call to action, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the people of Rivers State to go out and fully participate in the upcoming local government elections.

The party made it clear that citizens should exercise their civic duty, reinforcing the importance of electing their local leaders.

During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the PDP leadership also took the opportunity to caution the police against any actions that could derail the democratic process.

The party emphasized that security forces have a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections, and their involvement should strictly support the democratic principles the nation holds dear.

The PDP’s message was clear: the election is an opportunity for the people to have their voices heard, and they should not be swayed by any external influences or legal challenges.

As the party champions democracy, they reminded citizens that their participation is essential in strengthening the political framework of Rivers State.

While urging the public to head to the polls, the PDP’s warning to the police serves as a reminder that democracy must be protected and upheld.

Any attempt to manipulate the process or undermine the elections, the party noted, would be a direct threat to the democratic values the country has fought to build.

The upcoming local government elections, scheduled for October 5, will determine key leadership positions at the grassroots level, and the PDP is rallying its supporters to play their part in shaping the future of their communities.

The Press Statement reads:

Go for Local Government Election – PDP Charges Rivers State People
…Cautions Police not to Derail Democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out enmasse to vote in the Saturday, October 5, 2024 Local Government Area election across the State.

The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.

The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has power to stop elections.

For avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that “Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit”.

The PDP in very strong term condemns the attempt by the APC-controlled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.

The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.

The @OfficialPDPNig calls on Nigerians and the International Community to hold the @OfficialAPCNg and the Inspector General of Police responsible should there be any breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State at this time.

The Inspector General of Police @PoliceNG should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria.

Our Party salutes the courage and steadfastness of the people of Rivers State in their determination to defend their rights to participate in the process of electing their leaders.

The PDP stands with the Government @SimFubaraKSC and people of Rivers in their desire to peacefully elect representatives that will democratically run the affairs of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State in line with the provisions of the Law.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary