Rivers Chapter and Abuja Take Divergent Stances on LG Election (Details)
By Wisdom Tide
October 5, 2024
The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has led to conflicting positions on the ongoing Local Government (LG) election in Rivers State. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has encouraged members to participate in the election, while the state chapter has issued a directive to boycott the exercise. This division is a reflection of the escalating rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who have been at odds in recent months.
Tensions Between Fubara and Wike
Nyesom Wike, after the recent congress, has maintained significant control over the Rivers State chapter of the PDP. However, Governor Fubara, refusing to concede power, reportedly instructed his supporters to defect to the Action Peoples Party (APP) to contest in the LG elections. Wike's faction, aware of the influence the state government wields over local elections, decided to withdraw from the exercise, a decision that has been challenged in court. Despite the legal contest, Governor Fubara has vowed to press ahead with the elections which is Reportedly going smoothly.
National PDP Calls for Participation
On Friday, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement urging the people of Rivers State to exercise their constitutional right by participating in the elections. He emphasized the party's stance that democratic activities within Rivers State should remain under the control of its citizens.
“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 elections, cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group, or organization under any guise whatsoever,” Ologunagba stated.
He also highlighted that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had declared its readiness to conduct the elections, and pointed to Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which restricts courts from stopping the holding of elections, pending the outcome of any suits.
National Party Blames APC for Potential Unrest
The PDP leadership also warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Inspector General of Police would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order during the elections. Ologunagba reminded the Inspector General that he is constitutionally obligated to provide a secure environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, irrespective of his personal stance.
Rivers PDP Opposes Participation
Contrary to the position of the national leadership, Chukwuemeka Aaron, Chairman of the Rivers State PDP, issued a statement advising party members to boycott the elections. Speaking at a briefing, Aaron expressed the party’s unwillingness to support what he described as an illegal process.
“The PDP, having reviewed all the cases relating to the local government elections, concludes as follows: We cannot support or promote lawlessness or impunity in any form whatsoever, even though we are the ruling party in Rivers State,” Aaron declared.
He called for Governor Fubara to fully comply with a Federal High Court ruling and suspend the planned October 5 elections, aligning this action with the party’s character and ethics.
Praise for Law Enforcement and Call for Caution
Aaron commended the Nigerian Police for upholding the court's judgment, warning that any announcement of election results despite the suspension would be an open invitation to violence. He urged the residents of Rivers State to ensure full compliance with the Federal High Court’s ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
“We also call on our members and the law-abiding residents of Rivers State to defend the rule of law by ensuring full compliance with the judgment from the Federal High Court,” Aaron concluded.
The ongoing discord within the PDP reflects deeper political tensions in Rivers State, with both sides seemingly determined to push forward with their conflicting strategies as the local government elections approach
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