PDP Rejects Tinubu's Emergency Rule In Rivers, Warns Of State Capture

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an illegal power grab aimed at forcefully taking over the oil-rich state. The party insists that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and appoint an unelected administrator in his place.

In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP expressed outrage over Tinubu's nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, where he announced the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. The President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the state in their place.

The PDP described this as a "brazen violation" of the 1999 Constitution, accusing the President of attempting to override the democratic will of the people and impose an undemocratic rule in Rivers.

"This unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu is a clear attack on Nigeria's democracy and an abrogation of the votes and rights of Rivers people to choose their leader," the PDP stated.

The PDP further alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has long been stoking crises in Rivers State as part of a pre-planned scheme to seize control of the state.

"This action clearly borders on an attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to undermine democracy in Rivers and forcibly take over power," the statement read.

The party strongly refuted Tinubu's claim that the security situation in Rivers justified emergency rule, insisting that there is no constitutional basis for such a declaration. It cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which does not give the President unilateral authority to declare or enforce emergency rule without National Assembly approval.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305(2) of the Constitution provides that the President must immediately transmit copies of the emergency proclamation to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, who must convene their respective Houses to approve the measure," the PDP stated.

The PDP warned that Tinubu's directive for an unelected individual to take over Rivers State could plunge the state into chaos and disrupt national stability.

The opposition party cautioned Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd.) to respect the Constitution and avoid actions that could further derail democracy. It also called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state under APC's control.

"Nigeria is not under military rule, where governance is dictated by a junta. Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term, and that mandate cannot be stolen by executive fiat," the statement concluded.

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