PDP and APC Factions Seek Justice in Court to Resolve River State Local Government Election Dispute

The recent local government elections in Rivers State have ignited a political firestorm, with both factions of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejecting the legitimacy of the poll. The elections, held on Saturday, were marred by violence, including explosions and gunfire, raising serious questions about the electoral process. Despite the controversies, Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded to swear in the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 23 local government areas on Sunday.

The PDP faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, condemned the elections as illegal and vowed to challenge the results in court. The APC, divided into factions, also split in its reaction, with the Tony Okocha-led APC camp aligning with the PDP’s stance. However, the faction loyal to former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and vowed not to pursue any legal actions.

PDP Criticizes Election as Illegal, Plans Legal Action

In response to the swearing-in of the newly elected chairmen, the PDP, led by its state Publicity Secretary Kenneth Yowika, reiterated its disapproval of the election, calling it a “charade” that violated a Federal High Court ruling. Yowika emphasized that the court had barred the conduct of the local government elections, but the River state government proceeded despite the judgment, making the election null and void in the eyes of the party.

“We have made it clear that this election should not have held, as the Federal High Court had already passed a judgment preventing it,” Yowika said. He also stressed that the PDP would not resort to violence but would seek justice through legal means, maintaining that no legitimate election took place. The PDP’s legal team is preparing to challenge the election results in court, with hopes of nullifying the outcome based on the prior court ruling.

APC Divided on Election Results

The APC’s reaction to the controversial local government election has highlighted internal divisions within the party. THE APC faction loyal to Tony Okocha, represented by Publicity Secretary Chibuike Ikenga, echoed the PDP’s criticism, stating that the election should never have been held due to the Federal High Court’s injunction. Ikenga vowed that the faction would continue to pursue legal action to uphold the court’s ruling, claiming that the state government’s disobedience to the judiciary was unacceptable.

In contrast, the Amaechi faction, through Chizi Enyi, the Chief of Staff to the APC Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the election results, even though the party secured only one councillorship slot. “We are satisfied with the election and have no intention of challenging the outcome,” Enyi stated. This divergence within the APC underscores the complex political dynamics at play in Rivers State, as both major parties grapple with the fallout from the disputed election.

Governor Fubara Defends Election and Calls for Unity

In the midst of the political crisis, Governor Siminalayi Fubara defended the election and urged the newly sworn-in chairmen to prioritize the welfare of their constituents. During the swearing-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chamber in Port Harcourt, Fubara lauded the electoral process, stating that it reflected the will of the people and marked the beginning of a new era of transformation in the state’s local governance.

Addressing the political tensions, Fubara called for peace and advised the chairmen to avoid confrontations with their political adversaries. He also warned them against becoming “emperors,” urging them to serve their communities with humility and dedication. “This is an opportunity for you to bring people together and deliver development to the people of Rivers State,” Fubara said, emphasizing the need for peaceful governance and the delivery of democratic dividends across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Sworn-In Chairmen Face Challenges as Legal Battles Loom

As the newly sworn-in local government chairmen assume their positions, they face significant challenges, not least of which are the legal battles set to unfold. Both the PDP and the Okocha-led APC faction are preparing to contest the legitimacy of the elections in court, which could result in the annulment of the results if the court rules in their favor. The council chairmen also face opposition from various political groups, who are reportedly planning protests and disruptions as the chairmen take office.

Governor Fubara has advised the new chairmen to remain patient and avoid confrontation, particularly as tensions continue to simmer. Despite the governor’s call for peace, the political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, with the possibility of further unrest as the courts begin to hear the cases challenging the election results. For now, the chairmen must navigate a contentious political environment while attempting to deliver on their promises of development and good governance for the people of Rivers State.