Tensions remain high in Rivers State as the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have intensified the ongoing political crisis. Despite opposition from loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Siminalayi Fubara pushed forward with the elections held on Saturday.
Court Ruling Ignored as Election Proceeds
The elections were held despite a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred RSIEC from conducting the polls, citing the failure to provide the required 90-day notice. Additionally, the court prohibited the release of the voters’ register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and directed security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), not to provide security for the election.
However, Governor Fubara remained resolute, insisting that the election would proceed. His stance stirred debate, with some political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, backing him, while others criticized the move.
Violence and Thuggery Disrupt Elections
The elections were marred by violence in several areas. Armed men suspected to be political thugs disrupted voting in some wards, notably in the Rumuepirikom community, home to Minister Wike, and in Igwuruta, where two people were reportedly injured by gunfire.
Before the polls, explosives were detonated at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt, with the party accusing Governor Fubara’s supporters of the attack. Despite these challenges, voting went on in most areas under heavy security.
Fubara Secures LG Structure Amidst APC Boycott
Governor Fubara’s actions are seen as part of a broader effort to regain control of the political structure in Rivers State, following Wike’s attempt to maintain influence after his tenure as governor. Earlier in June, Fubara had nominated caretaker chairmen for the state’s 23 local government areas, which were swiftly confirmed by the state House of Assembly.
To solidify his control, Fubara directed his loyalists to contest the polls under the Action Peoples Party (APP) banner. According to RSIEC’s Chief Election Officer, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, APP secured victory in 22 out of 23 local government areas, signaling Fubara’s hold on the state’s political structure ahead of future elections.
APC Rejects Election Outcome
Despite the official announcement of results, the APC has rejected the election, with the party’s Publicity Secretary, Ikenga Chibike, declaring that no legitimate election took place. Chibike criticized the process as a “cooked-up result” and reiterated the party’s decision to boycott the election in line with the Federal High Court ruling.
“The law is clear,” Chibike said, emphasizing that RSIEC failed to follow due process, and the APC remains committed to upholding the court’s judgment. “As far as APC is concerned in Rivers State, there was no election on Saturday.”
The political unrest in Rivers State shows no signs of abating as both sides brace for further legal and political battles in the aftermath of the controversial local government elections.
