The Rivers State Local Government elections held on Saturday recorded a low turnout of voters across most areas, despite being largely peaceful.
The polls, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), featured only candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), both reportedly endorsed by the Nyesom Wike political platform. The exercise had been trailed by controversy, with civil society organisations and opposition parties questioning its constitutionality and legitimacy up to the last moments.
In Eleme Local Government Area, voting took place in all ten wards, but counting was not done at the polling units. By 1 p.m., election officers had begun moving materials to local government collation centres where results were tallied and entered into sheets.
At Obio/Akpor Ward 8, electoral materials arrived late at Community Secondary School, Rumuomasi, where Units 1 and 2 are located. Both units later confirmed their materials complete and voting commenced.
Miss Victoria Onyema, the polling officer for Unit 2, said voting began around 9 a.m. and was peaceful, but she lamented that an incomplete register prevented many eligible voters from finding their names. “That is the only challenge we are having,” she said, adding that voting was scheduled to end by 3 p.m.
Her counterpart at Unit 1, Comfort Olona, said accreditation and voting were done simultaneously to save time. She also cited issues with the voters’ list but noted that the process remained calm.
Many polling units lacked canopies, chairs, and tables, leaving electoral officials stranded. In some areas, materials had yet to arrive well into the day. At Units 11 and 40 in Ward 8, voting started late due to logistical delays.
The Supervising Polling Officer, Engr. Frank, declined to comment officially, but acknowledged the process was smooth with no incidents of violence. An APC agent in one of the units said his party had no complaints, while a PDP agent, Mr. John Ogu, described the election as orderly.
In Unit 40, polling officer Anthony suggested low publicity was responsible for the poor voter response. “Voters are coming out gradually from their homes,” he said.
Some voters, however, expressed disappointment, describing the exercise as a “sham” and “a ridicule to democracy,” alleging that the process was more of a “one-man show” than a competitive election.
At Etche Ward 8, voting materials and personnel did not arrive until after noon, further delaying the process.
Security was visible at polling units across the state, though the police maintained a discreet presence. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said officers were fully prepared but deployed armed personnel at a distance to avoid intimidating voters.
RISIEC is expected to announce results in the coming days.
