‘Not An Election, But A Coronation’ — Labour Party Slams Rivers LG Poll

The Labour Party (LP) has sharply criticised the local government elections held in Rivers State on Saturday, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), labelling the process as flawed and unconstitutional.

In a statement from Port Harcourt on Monday, LP pledged to take legal action against RSIEC, asserting that the election was marred by serious irregularities and ignored essential electoral laws.

The Publicity Secretary for the Port Harcourt City Campaign Council, Dr. Francis David Matthew, expressed disapproval, stating, “The Labour Party wishes to categorically condemn the fraudulent exercise carried out by RSIEC on October 5, 2024, in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area. 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 alleged that core principles of free and fair elections were disregarded, emphasizing that the LP has substantial evidence of misconduct. He believes the courts will deem the election invalid.

“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,” he added.

Highlighting the LP’s commitment to lawful recourse, Matthew explained, “As law-abiding citizens, we intend to address these serious infractions in court.

“We have irrefutable evidence from thousands of witnesses at various polling units in Port Harcourt LGA, all of whom experienced and documented this unlawful process firsthand.”

He urged LP supporters to remain hopeful, noting that the judiciary has often corrected electoral injustices. Matthew expressed confidence that the courts will assess the evidence thoroughly and provide a fair and just resolution.