PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — The Action People’s Party (APP) claimed victory in 22 of the 23 chairmanship positions in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State, according to results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Adolphus Enebeli, Chief Election Officer of RSIEC, declared the results Saturday in Port Harcourt. However, the electoral body suspended the declaration of the Etche Local Government Area (LGA) results due to ongoing collation.
“The results for the 319 councillorship seats will be announced alongside the Etche chairmanship position once collations are completed,” Enebeli said, describing the election as “free, fair, and credible” despite challenges. He praised voters for their turnout, noting that polling closed at 3 p.m.
The announcement was observed by members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), independent electoral chairmen from across Nigeria, and Nigerian Bar Association members who served as election observers.
Enebeli stated that the commission “adopted the principle of bi-location because of the exigencies” they faced. Results were declared at the Ministry of Justice Hall, located within the State Secretariat complex, rather than the RSIEC headquarters on Aba Road.
The run-up to the election was marked by tension. Police authorities initially stated they would not provide security for the poll, citing a court order. Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was prohibited by court order from handing over the voter register to RSIEC. These developments stirred anxiety across the state in the days leading up to the vote.
Undeterred, Governor Siminalayi Fubara vowed the election would proceed. Early Friday morning, he visited RSIEC’s office, accusing state police operatives of attempting to obstruct the poll.
Despite the tensions, the election concluded with the APP emerging victorious in most local government areas. The final results for Etche LGA and councillorship positions are expected in the coming days.
