Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A storm of political tension has erupted in Rivers State as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) launched a joint protest, demanding an immediate halt to the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The protest, which began at the PDP State Secretariat Complex along Aba Expressway, saw protesters — some chanting war songs and carrying placards — marching to the police headquarters in Port Harcourt. The angry crowd handed over a resolute “no election” declaration to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, claiming that an Abuja High Court order prohibits the election from taking place. They issued a stark warning: they could not guarantee peace if the elections were allowed to proceed.
In a dramatic escalation, the protesters moved on to the office of the Department of State Security (DSS), where the de facto PDP Chairman, Mr. Aaron Chukwuemeka, personally appealed to the DSS boss. Speaking with urgency, Chukwuemeka urged the DSS to intervene and ensure the court order was respected to avoid potential violence. “The Abuja court order must be enforced so we do not cause violence in the state,” he warned.
The turn of events marks a curious twist for the PDP. Just three months ago, members of the party were seen protesting in the pouring rain, demanding that the Rivers State Governor instruct the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to hold elections rather than appointing Caretaker Committee Chairmen. Their plea for democracy has now seemingly turned to resistance, as those same voices once fighting for elections now stand against them.
The protesters’ grievances revolve around a recent court order from Abuja, which they claim effectively stops the planned elections. The joint demonstration by members of rival parties — usually locked in political rivalry — has raised eyebrows, suggesting that larger forces could be at play in the backdrop of this unfolding drama.
The prospect of potential violence looms heavily over Port Harcourt. The joint PDP-APC protest warned in clear terms that, unless their demands are met, chaos could erupt across the state. This has sent shivers through the local community, with fears of clashes and disturbances overshadowing the political exercise that was supposed to offer local governance a new lease of life.
Citizens of Rivers State find themselves in a state of uncertainty, questioning what lies ahead for their local governance. The unity between PDP and APC, though unusual, underscores the gravity of the situation and the stakes involved in Saturday’s planned election.
Will Rivers State heed the protesters’ calls and cancel the elections, or will the authorities press ahead, risking the wrath of political forces that have threatened disorder? All eyes are on the authorities as the countdown to Saturday continues — a day that could see either the affirmation of democracy or an explosion of political chaos.
