Rivers local government elections begin across 23 LGAs with heavy security as residents vote under movement restrictions

Rivers local government elections commenced on Saturday under tight security as residents trooped out to cast their votes across the state.

Also read: Rivers APC rejects August 30 LG polls, cites voter disenfranchisement risk

The polls are holding in all 23 local government areas, 319 wards, and 6,866 polling units, six months after the Supreme Court nullified the October 2024 council elections earlier conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

A day before the polls, security agencies staged a show of force through Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, with a massive convoy led by the Nigerian Police Force and supported by the Nigerian Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, and other agencies. The move was aimed at reassuring residents of safety.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured citizens that adequate arrangements had been made to protect lives and property throughout the electoral exercise.

“Our personnel and logistics deployment will ensure a free, safe, and credible election,” Adepoju said.

RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, also urged voters to come out peacefully, promising that election materials would arrive promptly, including in riverine communities.

To prevent disruptions, authorities imposed a restriction of movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day.

This election is taking place under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) serving as sole administrator following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy in March after a political crisis involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Political analysts believe the outcome of the polls could serve as a pointer to Rivers State’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Also read: Rivers state LG election postponed over crisis fears

As of press time, voting was underway peacefully in several polling units, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence at flashpoints across the state.