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In a surprise move, the Rivers State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have joined forces to protest the upcoming Local Council elections scheduled for October 5.
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The protest, which began at 7:45 am, saw members and supporters of both parties converge at the PDP Secretariat at Leventist Junction.
At the heart of the dispute is Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s insistence on proceeding with the polls amidst ongoing lawsuits and court orders and counter-court orders halting the process.
The APC’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha, and the PDP’s State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, have both publicly stated that the election process is tainted by illegality and that their parties will not participate.
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However, Governor Fubara remained resolute, declaring the election “sacrosanct” during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) at Government House on Wednesday.
The governor’s determination has sparked concerns about the potential for violence.
As seeming tensions endure, the protest led by the two party chairmen and their executives has proceeded towards Azikwe Road, chanting under heavy security presence and protection.
The situation remains fluid, with the outcome uncertain.
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