Residents of Rivers State are voting in local government elections today under heavy security deployment across the state.
The polls are being conducted simultaneously in 23 local government areas, covering 319 wards and nearly 7,000 polling units. This fresh exercise follows the Supreme Court’s decision, six months ago, which voided the October 2024 elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
On Friday, security operatives paraded through major streets in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor in a show of force. The Nigerian Police Force led a convoy that included the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, FRSC, and other agencies, organized to reassure residents about their safety.
Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, explained that the security plan covers all stages of the election. “We have put adequate arrangements in place to secure lives and property before, during, and after the elections. Our personnel and logistics deployment will ensure a free, safe, and credible exercise,” he said.
RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, in a statewide address, also appealed to residents to turn out peacefully. He promised that electoral materials would arrive on time, including in riverine areas. “With the cooperation of the police and sister agencies, adequate security has been guaranteed,” Odey assured.
Authorities have imposed a restriction of movement between midnight and 6 a.m. to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth conduct of the vote.
The polls are unfolding under unusual circumstances, as Rivers State is currently under emergency rule. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed sole administrator after Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy were suspended in March, following a protracted crisis involving Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
By midday, voting was underway in several polling stations, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence in sensitive areas.
Analysts believe today’s outcome could influence the political balance in Rivers ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
