Security has been tightened across Rivers State as residents head to the polls for Saturday’s local government elections.
The exercise is holding in all 23 LGAs, covering 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).
On Friday, security agencies carried out a show of force in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor. The convoy, led by the Nigerian Police Force, included the Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, and other allied bodies—an effort aimed at boosting public confidence in the safety of the process.
Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured that adequate personnel and logistics have been deployed to secure lives and property throughout the exercise.
“We have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a free, safe, and credible poll,” he stated.
RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, also urged voters to participate peacefully, promising timely distribution of election materials even to riverine areas.
“With the support of the police and sister agencies, we can assure voters of adequate security,” he said in a Friday broadcast.
Authorities further announced a restriction of movement from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day to prevent disruptions.
The election is taking place under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) currently serving as sole administrator of the state, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy in March after a political standoff involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Observers note that the stakes are high, with the outcome of the council polls expected to influence Rivers’ political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
As of press time, voting had commenced across several polling units, with security operatives maintaining heavy presence at identified flashpoints.
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