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There are growing indications that major political parties in Rivers State including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives People’s Party (APP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), may abstain from participating in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for August 30.
The ADC’s State Publicity Secretary, Egila Luckyman, confirmed that the party has yet to decide on whether to participate, noting that a stakeholder meeting will determine their final position.
“In the coming days the critical stakeholders of the ADC will meet, deliberate and share our position on whether we will be partaking in the forthcoming LG election or not. That is our position. It is after the meeting that we will tell everyone our position.”
The Rivers APC is also reportedly in disarray, grappling with an internal leadership dispute between two rival factions.
The faction led by Emeka Beke is legally recognised at the lower court level, while the Tony Okocha-led camp is appealing the judgement in higher courts.
The APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, stated that participation in the election hinges on resolving these internal conflicts, as well as gaining full recognition from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC).
“We have taken a position based on some of the missteps that the RISIEC had made in terms of recognising the duly validated leadership of the APC in Rivers.”
“But with the interaction we had with the National leadership of the APC, I think we will have some rapprochement to ensure that the fortunes of the party are not endangered because of vested interest of some individuals who are politically desperate.”
Nwauju added that Beke had urged the national leadership of the APC to assume control over aspects of the local polls, to prevent potential litigation and ensure the party’s smooth participation.
