The Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned the local government elections held in Rivers State on Saturday, which were organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), describing the process as fundamentally flawed and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Monday, the LP announced its intention to pursue legal action against RSIEC, claiming that the elections were riddled with significant irregularities and failed to comply with crucial electoral laws.
Dr. Francis David Matthew, the Publicity Secretary for the Port Harcourt City Campaign Council, voiced his disapproval, stating, “The Labour Party unequivocally condemns the fraudulent exercise conducted by RSIEC on October 5, 2024, in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area. It is vital for the public to recognize that this was not an election; it was a coronation carried out in blatant disregard of our electoral laws.”
Matthew accused the electoral process of violating fundamental principles of free and fair elections, asserting that the LP possesses substantial evidence of misconduct, which he believes will lead the courts to annul the election results.
He pointed to specific violations, such as the failure to utilize the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the lack of result sheets in 938 out of 960 polling units across the 20 wards of Port Harcourt LGA. “This is a serious breach of the law, and as a party and as citizens of Rivers, we categorically reject this injustice,” he emphasized.
Reaffirming the LP’s commitment to pursuing legal avenues, Matthew stated, “As law-abiding citizens, we are determined to challenge these serious violations in court. We have undeniable evidence from thousands of witnesses at various polling units in Port Harcourt LGA, all of whom have documented this unlawful process firsthand.”
He encouraged LP supporters to remain optimistic, highlighting that the judiciary has historically rectified electoral injustices.
Matthew expressed confidence that the courts will thoroughly evaluate the evidence and deliver a fair and just outcome.
