Atiku Abubakar Champions Local Democracy: Rivers LG Elections a Crucial Test for Fubara
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara regarding the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5 across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The elections are set against a backdrop of political tension stemming from a conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, making this election a significant test of political influence at the grassroots level.
Recently, a federal high court in Abuja prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The court also instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services not to offer security for the elections. In compliance with this ruling, INEC confirmed on October 2 that it would not release the voter register to RSIEC.
On October 3, protests erupted at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt against the planned elections. Despite these challenges, Governor Fubara remains determined to move forward with the elections and has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays in preparation.
In a recent statement on his X account, Abubakar praised Fubara’s bravery, characterizing the elections as a “beacon of hope” for the region. He emphasized that the local government elections represent a crucial step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“These elections provide an opportunity to affirm the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, reinforcing the foundational principles of our democracy,” he remarked.
Abubakar called the election a significant endorsement of constitutionalism and the rule of law, urging all advocates of democracy to support the process. He encouraged citizens to uphold their civic responsibilities peacefully and purposefully as they select their local leaders.
“I firmly believe that the democratic process is sacred, and it is essential for the people to have the power to determine their future by electing their leaders at the community level,” he concluded.
