In a move to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its stance on conducting fresh elections to fill the 25 vacant seats in the State Assembly. These seats were left vacant after 25 lawmakers defected from the PDP to join the opposition party.
The PDP, maintaining its commitment to upholding democratic principles, asserts that the only way to ensure fair representation and uphold the will of the people is through the conduct of fresh polls. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions and competing claims of legitimacy between the parties involved.
The crisis within the Rivers State Assembly began when 25 lawmakers, all of whom were members of the PDP, abruptly abandoned the party in favor of the opposition. Their departure came as a surprise, and the move has been seen as an attempt to destabilize the current government and gain an upper hand in the legislative proceedings.
Consequently, the PDP raised concerns about the legitimacy of any decisions made by the State Assembly since the defections, arguing that the 25 vacant seats must be filled to restore the fairness and equity that underpin democratic governance.
Speaking on behalf of the NWC, the PDP National Chairman emphasized the need for fresh elections, emphasizing that it is the only way to uphold the mandate given by the people of Rivers State during previous polls. The PDP, through this decision, aims to maintain the democratic process and restore confidence in the state’s legislative framework.
While the opposition party has vehemently opposed the notion of fresh elections, arguing that the vacant seats should be filled through a tribal-based rotational system, the PDP has maintained its firm stance. The PDP argues that tribal considerations are counterproductive to a democracy based on competence and fair representation.
The state and national authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in Rivers State. The call for fresh elections aims to resolve the political crisis, preserve democratic ideals, and ensure that the will of the people remains paramount.
This has become a litmus test for the nation’s democracy, and stakeholders from both sides of the political divide are closely watching the outcome. It is hoped that a resolution to this crisis will be found soon, as the stability of Rivers State is crucial for the overall progress of the nation.
