There have been reports of significant disruptions in the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
In Elekahia, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, at Ward 19’s collation centre, voters alleged that the police arrived, firing shots and using teargas, causing chaos.
The disruption came after the voting and counting processes had reportedly concluded, according to several eyewitnesses. Ballot papers were seen scattered at the entrance of the collation centre. However, no police officers were present at the scene to provide an account of what transpired, although the Rivers State Police Command has promised to issue an official statement on the incident.
Despite a court order directing the police not to participate in the elections, and the police previously indicating they would not provide security for the exercise, the elections proceeded as scheduled. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) affirmed their commitment to holding the elections on October 5, 2024, despite the absence of police security.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Explosion Rock APC Secretariat in Rivers State
In a separate incident earlier in the day, the secretariat of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Tony Okocha was hit by explosives, causing significant damage.
The explosion, which occurred at around 3:20 am, shattered the gates and doors of the building. Okocha alleged that the attack was politically motivated, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the incident and accusing him of declaring “war” over the local government elections.
The Rivers State Police Command is expected to provide further details on both the election disruptions and the explosion.
