The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the local government area council elections held in Rivers State on Saturday, October 5, calling it a sham. The party announced its intention to take legal action against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting the election in violation of established electoral standards.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday, October 7, Dr. Francis David Matthew, the Publicity Secretary of the Port Harcourt City Campaign Council, stated, “The Labour Party wishes to categorically condemn the fraudulent exercise carried out by RSIEC. It is crucial for the public to understand that what transpired was not an election but a coronation, orchestrated without adherence to the electoral laws of our land.”
Matthew emphasized that the election did not follow the fundamental principles or laws necessary for free, fair, and credible elections. He expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately declare the process unlawful, as the party has substantial evidence of the violations that occurred.
He highlighted a significant issue: “A glaring example is the non-use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the absence of result sheets in 938 out of 960 polling units across the 20 wards of Port Harcourt LGA. This is a gross violation of the law, and we, as a party and as the people of Rivers, vehemently reject this travesty.”
Matthew assured supporters that the party plans to address these serious infractions in court, citing irrefutable evidence from thousands of witnesses at various polling units who documented the unlawful process firsthand.
He encouraged party supporters to remain hopeful, stating, “The judiciary has proven to be a reliable means of rectifying electoral injustices. We believe the courts will carefully examine the evidence and deliver a just and honorable verdict.”
