The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the safe conduct of today’s local government elections in Rivers State, set for October 5. The appeal follows an announcement by the Rivers State Police Command that its officers would not provide security for the elections, citing compliance with a Federal High Court order in Abuja. According to the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police were acting in line with the court’s directive.

In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged the IGP to uphold his constitutional responsibility by providing a secure environment for the elections. The party stressed that the people of Rivers State have the democratic right to participate in local government elections, and this right should not be hindered by any group or individual.

“The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State, as a federating unit, belongs to the people of the State. This includes participation in Local Government Area elections, which cannot be abridged or appropriated under any guise,” the statement read.

The PDP affirmed that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is fully prepared to conduct the election in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling. The party also emphasized that, under the amended Electoral Act 2022, no court has the authority to halt the elections.

Ologunagba urged the IGP to act in accordance with his constitutional mandate, setting aside personal opinions, and ensure that security is maintained during the elections in the interest of democracy and national stability.

The PDP further cautioned that both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the IGP would be held responsible for any disorder or breakdown of law and order during the elections.