The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as an anti-democratic move designed to stifle opposition and subvert the will of the people. The party, in an official statement released by its National Working Committee (NWC), denounced the emergency declaration as unconstitutional, reckless, and a direct assault on Nigeria’s federal system.
The PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state power to interfere in the governance of Rivers State, a PDP-controlled state, in what it called a desperate attempt to destabilize the party’s stronghold and weaken its influence ahead of future elections.
“The imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is nothing but an act of political desperation by the APC-led federal government to override the democratic choice of the people,” the statement read. “This is an outright violation of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly states the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. Rivers State has not experienced a breakdown of law and order that justifies such extreme measures.”
The PDP further argued that the move to sideline Governor Siminalayi Fubara and install a sole administrator amounted to a coup against democracy and an insult to the millions of voters who elected him into office. The party warned that if the federal government is allowed to get away with such an undemocratic act in Rivers, it could embolden the APC to carry out similar takeovers in other states controlled by the opposition.
“This is a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria,” the party continued. “The people of Rivers did not elect a sole administrator; they elected Governor Fubara. The attempt to forcefully remove him without due process is an affront to democratic governance and must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.”
The PDP also called on the international community, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders to speak out against what it described as a clear abuse of executive power. The party urged democratic institutions, including the judiciary and the National Assembly, to intervene and prevent what it termed an illegal takeover of a constitutionally elected government.
“We will not sit back and allow this travesty of justice to stand,” the party declared. “The PDP is prepared to explore all legal and political means to challenge this unconstitutional action and restore the mandate of Governor Fubara. Nigerians must unite to protect democracy and prevent any attempt to turn our country into an authoritarian state where political opponents are silenced by force.”
As tensions continue to rise over the political crisis in Rivers State, many observers are waiting to see how Governor Fubara will respond to the federal government’s decision and whether legal action will be taken to challenge the emergency rule. The PDP’s rejection of the move adds to the growing criticism of the federal government’s handling of the situation, further deepening political divisions across the country.