The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the people of Rivers State to actively participate in the Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. In a statement released by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party emphasized the importance of exercising constitutional rights through the ballot box.
Despite some internal calls within the PDP for a boycott, Ologunagba urged residents to come out in large numbers, stating, “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.”
He reiterated that both the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the people are fully prepared for the election, adding that under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, no court can halt the election process. Ologunagba specifically referenced Section 84(15) of the Act, which limits court intervention in electoral processes.
The PDP also criticized the actions of the APC-controlled Police, accusing them of attempting to disrupt the election by interfering with RSIEC facilities. Ologunagba described these actions as a “direct affront to democracy” and held the APC and the Inspector General of Police accountable for ensuring law and order during the election.
Praising the determination of Rivers State residents, Ologunagba affirmed, “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.” He urged residents to stand firm in their democratic rights and participate in the election process.