Voting for the local government election in Rivers State began as scheduled despite an explosion early Saturday morning at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt. Suspected arsonists reportedly detonated explosives that damaged the main gate and security post of the APC office.
Chief Tony Okocha, caretaker chairman of the APC, accused supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the attack. He claimed a second attempt to set the building on fire was prevented by security personnel.
Despite the incident, voters were seen arriving at polling units early, with election materials delivered to several areas, including Ahoada East. However, the Nigeria Police Force was notably absent, having withdrawn from overseeing the process.
Governor Fubara, rejecting calls from PDP stakeholders to halt the election, reaffirmed his commitment to proceed. He accused the Inspector General of Police of trying to disrupt the election in favor of an “Abuja-based politician.” The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission confirmed the election would continue as planned, urging residents to vote in line with the law.
