Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his support behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ahead of the contentious local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The election is seen as a significant test of grassroots influence, particularly given the ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis escalated after a Federal High Court in Abuja, on September 30, prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The court also barred the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the elections.
On October 2, INEC confirmed that it had complied with the court ruling by withholding the voter register from RSIEC.
Meanwhile, on October 3, protests erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, with demonstrators opposing the planned elections.
Despite the legal and political challenges, Governor Fubara remains resolute in moving forward with the elections. He declared public holidays on October 4 and 5, signaling his intent to ensure the polls proceed as planned.
In a show of support, Atiku Abubakar praised Fubara for his determination, describing the governor’s stance as courageous. In a social media post on Friday, Abubakar called the election a “beacon of hope” and highlighted it as a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The local government election has drawn national attention, with many viewing it as a key moment for the political future of Rivers State amidst the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike.
