Police withdrawal from Rivers LG poll proves Anti-Democratic forces in Nigeria – Atiku’s aide

Paul Ibe, spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has commented on the police withdrawal from the Rivers State local government election.

Spokesman of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement titled “Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election,” confirmed receiving a restraining order preventing them from providing security during the LGA elections.

The command, through its spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, also acknowledged the Federal High Court ruling from September 30, 2024, which barred the police from participating in the election.

Reacting to the development via a post in his X account, Ibe opined that the withdrawal confirmed the anti-democratic forces in Nigeria.

Speaking further, he said that Rivers State local government election may usher in a new dispensation of better polls without police.

Ibe wrote, “The withdrawal of the @PoliceNG from today’s #RiversLGAPolls2024 will confirm to the whole world the anti-democratic elements and institutions in Nigeria.

“The outcome of the election may usher in a new regime in which our elections are better off without the police.”

Reports had it that voting went on peacefully in the local government elections in Rivers State despite the police barring officers from providing security for the exercise.

Election officials were seen conducting accreditation and voting simultaneously at a polling unit in Ikoku Area, Units 14 and 15 in Port Harcourt City Ward 18.