A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has frowned at the exclusion of the PDP, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Labour Party, LP, from Saturday’s Rivers State House of Assembly by-election.

George described the development as worrisome, calling for more clarity on the reasons behind the exclusion.

DAILY POST recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had announced that the three political parties would not participate in the February 21 bye-election in Rivers, citing various reasons.

The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to due process in the conduct of elections.

“I strongly believe the question Nigerians should ask now is this: why were major political parties disqualified from participating in the election?

“How can political parties be disqualified in this manner? Nigerians deserve clear explanations on the criteria applied and how the decisions were reached,” George said.

According to him, political parties play a vital role in democratic governance and should be given a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process, in line with the law.

The elder statesman referenced past political developments in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to learn from history and ensure that democratic institutions are strengthened.

He called on leaders and institutions to act in ways that promote national unity, fairness and confidence in the democratic process.