The recently concluded Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Rivers State were fraught with logistical setbacks, low voter turnout, and growing concerns over transparency.
The polls, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), took place across 319 wards in 23 LGAs but were marked by widespread irregularities and disinterest from the electorate.
Despite these setbacks, political figures remain optimistic. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described the peaceful conduct of the election as a green light for lifting the state of emergency and for the anticipated return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara by September 18.
Election Marred by Delays and Absence of Electoral Tools
The electoral process experienced significant delays, with many polling units—particularly in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Asari-Toru LGAs—failing to receive materials by 10 a.m. Voters in some areas reported that the original result sheets were not included in the distributed materials, especially in wards in Emohua, Ikwerre, Khana, and Opobo/Nkoro, the home LGA of Governor Fubara.
Furthermore, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a crucial tool for transparent accreditation, was conspicuously absent across the polling units.
Voter Apathy vs Political Optimism
Despite low voter turnout in urban areas, some rural communities reportedly recorded higher participation. However, many residents ignored the restriction of movement order, and normal activities including partial market operations continued.
Nyebuchi Chinda, PDP agent in Elelewo, attributed the delay to slow movement of electoral officers between units. While some voters expressed frustration, others, like Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu (PDP Chairmanship candidate in Obio/Akpor), welcomed the eventual commencement of voting.
“It is better it came late than never. We are happy our people are here to vote. This turnout reflects our strong grassroots campaign,” Worlu said, expressing confidence in a win and vowing a people-focused leadership.
Political Leaders Praise the Process
Some political leaders praised the RSIEC for conducting a peaceful and seemingly organized election. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, said, “I have to commend RSIEC. Everything has been peaceful. I see no signs of hijacking or rigging.”
Port Harcourt City PDP Chairmanship candidate, Allwell Ihunda, rejected claims of apathy, stating: “People are out voting. I did well in my first tenure, and I believe in the support of the people.”
Wike: “Coast Clear for Fubara’s Return”
After casting his vote in Obio/Akpor, Minister Nyesom Wike stated that the peaceful conduct of the election signifies readiness to lift the state of emergency.
“With this election concluded peacefully, the coast is now clear. The state now has full representation at the local and state levels,” Wike said, hinting at Governor Fubara’s reinstatement.
Allegations and Mild Drama in Asari-Toru LGA
In Ward 1 of Asari-Toru LGA, voters voiced concern over alleged plans to tamper with results. Accord Party’s candidate, Seineri Onengiyeofiri George, called for RSIEC to resist political manipulation.
At Polling Unit 15, tension briefly erupted over claims of missing result sheets, with youths chanting “one man, one vote” before security personnel restored order.
APC Chairmanship candidate George Onengiyeofiri dismissed the claims, calling the process “peaceful and coordinated.”
Meanwhile, Ojukaye Flag-Amacheree, a senior official in the National Security Adviser’s office, and Dakorinama George Kelly, of the Border Communities Development Agency, lauded the conduct of the polls and predicted victory for their candidates aligned with President Tinubu and Wike.
