The Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the European Union’s report on former Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of obstructing other political parties’ campaign activities in the state.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, the former spokesman of the PDP campaign council, the party expressed surprise and disappointment at the EU’s indictment of the former governor without proper verification.
The PDP stated that it found it concerning that a reputable body like the EU would stoop so low to rely on hearsay in an attempt to tarnish the image of others.
While acknowledging that there were a few incidents in some communities in Rivers State during the lead-up to the 2023 election, the party argued that the state government cannot be blamed for frustrating the opposition’s campaign efforts, considering the strong and effective security measures put in place.
According to the PDP, it is incorrect for anyone or any group to claim that the opposition in the state was deliberately prevented from campaigning.
Meanwhile, Sydney Gbara, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, also condemned the European Union Election Observation Mission’s report on the 2023 general elections, which highlighted a constrained campaign environment in Rivers State. The report stated that the former governor imposed campaign rules that were more restrictive than those set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr. Gbara dismissed the report, stating that Rivers State Executive Orders 21 and 22 were implemented to protect public facilities in the state.
The PDP has expressed its dissatisfaction with the EU report and continues to defend the actions of the former governor, Nyesom Wike, regarding the political campaign environment in Rivers State.
