Paul Ibe, the spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced his thoughts regarding the police withdrawal from the recent local government election in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that they had received a restraining order that prevented them from providing security during the LGA elections, which were scheduled to take place on October 5th, 2024. The command also acknowledged a Federal High Court ruling from September 30, 2024, which explicitly barred police participation in the election process.
In response to these developments, Ibe took to his social media platform, X, to express his opinion that the police's withdrawal serves as a clear indication of the anti-democratic forces present in Nigeria. He suggested that this situation might provide an opportunity for a new era of elections that could be more favorable in the absence of police oversight.
Ibe remarked, “The withdrawal of the @PoliceNG from today’s #RiversLGAPolls2024 will confirm to the whole world the anti-democratic elements and institutions in Nigeria.” He added that the results of the election might herald a new regime, potentially leading to improved electoral processes without police involvement.
Despite the police's absence, reports indicated that voting proceeded peacefully during the local government elections in Rivers State. Election officials were seen effectively conducting accreditation and voting simultaneously at various polling units, including those in Ikoku Area, Units 14 and 15, located in Port Harcourt City Ward 18.
The overall conduct of the election, devoid of police presence, raises questions about the effectiveness of security in electoral processes and the implications of such withdrawals on democracy in Nigeria.