The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally rejected the outcome of the recently held national convention, describing the process as fundamentally flawed, undemocratic, and inconsistent with the party’s constitution. The chapter also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its principled decision to boycott the exercise.
In a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers PDP said the convention was marred by irregularities, lack of transparency, and the exclusion of critical stakeholders from participating in key decisions. The chapter condemned what it termed “a pre-arranged outcome designed to impose preferred candidates” rather than allow for free, fair, and credible internal elections.
“The Rivers State PDP categorically rejects the outcome of the so-called convention. The entire process was a charade and does not reflect the will of genuine party members,” the statement read.
The party praised INEC for refraining from monitoring the convention, noting that the electoral umpire’s absence was a strong signal that the event did not meet legal and procedural requirements for recognition.
“INEC’s decision to stay away further validates our concerns. A convention conducted without due process cannot stand, and we commend INEC for upholding the principles of electoral integrity,” the statement added.
The Rivers PDP called on the national leadership of the party to immediately address the grievances raised, annul the contested outcomes, and convene a fresh, transparent convention that adheres strictly to the PDP constitution and democratic norms.
The chapter also urged party members across the country to unite in protecting the values of fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability within the party, emphasizing that only a genuinely democratic process can foster unity and progress.