Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara expressed his regret that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will not participate in the October 5 local government elections. Fubara made this known during a meeting with party stakeholders at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
However, the governor explained that the election must proceed to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, which mandates elected officials to manage local government affairs. The Federal Government provided a three-month grace period to implement the court’s judgment.
“I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating in this election. That’s the truth,” Fubara stated.
He emphasized that the process would follow the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Law. “Go, do what the law requires, and RSIEC will take over from there. Once RSIEC completes its part, the State Government will do the same, and the entire process will be concluded by God’s grace in a few days.”
Despite the PDP’s absence, Fubara stressed his duty to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision. He acknowledged the support of party members who continue to back the democratic process, despite not benefiting from it.
The governor also called on residents to ensure peaceful participation, urging them to return to their local government areas, follow due process, and avoid any form of violence.
