The Labour Party (LP) has officially withdrawn its petition challenging the election of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, who contested under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 polls. The LP’s challenge to Fubara’s victory was dismissed by the Appeal Court in Lagos, affirming the PDP candidate’s win.
In a recent development, Beatrice Itubo, the LP’s gubernatorial candidate in the election, confirmed in a Saturday interview with Channels Television that the party has decided to drop the case. Speaking from her Ogbakiri country home in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Itubo explained the decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the state’s interests over personal expectations.
Due to the ongoing events in Rivers State, the LP recognizes that the state’s interests are of utmost importance. Itubo acknowledged that the people have expressed a desire to allow the government to move forward, emphasizing that good governance is contingent on peace. In light of this, the LP has decided to withdraw the lawsuit and collaborate with the present government to contribute to the state’s progress.
This move represents a strategic alignment between Governor Fubara and Beatrice Itubo in the complex political landscape of Rivers State, which has been marked by political crises. Despite Itubo’s initial determination to pursue the election petition vigorously, arguing that the governorship election process was tainted by fraud, the LP’s recent decision is seen as linked to the strained relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.