Atiku Abubakar endorses Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s push for local government elections, set for October 5, despite legal challenges. Amid a rift with ex-governor Wike, Atiku highlights the polls as vital to grassroots democracy, urging residents to vote peacefully and support constitutional democracy at the local level.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has endorsed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara's decision to proceed with the upcoming local government elections in the state, despite legal and political challenges. Scheduled for October 5, the elections are set to take place across 23 Local Government Areas. The ongoing tension between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has made these elections a focal point for determining political influence at the grassroots.
A federal high court in Abuja recently ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot release the 2023 voter register for the elections, further complicating the process. Additionally, the court barred security agencies from protecting the polls. INEC has confirmed its compliance with the ruling, withholding the voter register.
Undeterred, Governor Fubara has maintained that the elections will go ahead, declaring public holidays on October 3 and 4 to ensure smooth conduct.
Atiku Abubakar, in a statement posted on his X page, praised Fubara for his leadership and described the local government elections as crucial to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values. He emphasized that these elections would offer citizens the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and ensure local government autonomy, a key pillar of democracy.
He also urged voters to participate peacefully and responsibly, reinforcing the democratic process as a path for citizens to shape their communities by choosing their leaders at the local level.
