Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State took to the streets on Thursday, protesting the planned local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The protest was led by the party’s state chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, with thousands of party loyalists braving the heavy rain to voice their concerns.
The protesters, including notable party figures like former local government chairmen Obarimate Ollor (Eleme), Confidence Deko (Gokana), Erastus Awortu (Andoni), and Chidi Lloyd (Emuoha), marched through the streets of Port Harcourt.
They gathered at the PDP secretariat on Aba Road early in the morning before heading to the Department of State Services office in the Old GRA area to lodge their complaints about the upcoming poll.
Carrying placards with messages like “RSIEC obey court order,” “Rivers State is not lawless,” and “Police and Army must not support RSIEC,” the protesters also chanted slogans in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Some of their chants included, “Under the rain, under the sun, we will follow Wike,” and “No election in Rivers State.”
After being addressed by a DSS official, the protestors continued to the State Police Command Headquarters. As their numbers grew, police officials invited the protest leaders for a brief meeting. Following the meeting, the protesters dispersed peacefully, singing solidarity songs in support of Wike.
The protest stems from concerns raised by a faction of the PDP loyal to Wike, who, along with the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress, had withdrawn from the October 5 election. They cited irregularities and lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Meanwhile, the APC faction led by Emeka Beke, loyal to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, handed over party flags to candidates in 22 local government areas, signaling their readiness for the election.
In addition, a dispute has erupted between the Independent National Electoral Commission and RSIEC. INEC has denied claims by RSIEC that it had released the 2023 voter register for the upcoming elections.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a statewide broadcast, declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to allow voters to travel to their local government areas for the polls. He emphasized that the election would proceed despite opposition, stating, “No amount of opposition or propaganda will stop the election from taking place.”
