The Rivers State Local Government Election held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, witnessed a generally peaceful atmosphere across polling units, though with mixed voter turnout in various areas.
The exercise officially commenced at 8:00 a.m., but reports from some wards and polling units indicated delays in the arrival of election materials, leaving early voters waiting for hours. Some residents, unwilling to wait, returned home, while others chose not to participate at all, opting instead for rest or household chores. In parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, youths were seen playing football as the major roads, including Ada George Road, remained unusually scanty except for a few voters heading to polling stations.
At Ward 10, Obio/Akpor, the late arrival of materials affected participation, with several voters leaving before accreditation began. As of 11:55 a.m., voting was peaceful but recorded low turnout.
In contrast, Port Harcourt City LGA, Ward 11 (units 11, 24, 25, 26) at St. Andrews Primary School, Diobu, experienced timely distribution of materials. Turnout there was impressive, and voters cast their ballots freely under the watch of heavily deployed security operatives.
However, at Ward 11, Unit 12 (Centenary Model Primary School, Abonemah Wharf Road, Diobu), turnout was notably low despite the peaceful process. Streets around the area appeared deserted as many residents stayed indoors. One respondent, who requested anonymity, described the election as “a mere formality,” alleging that outcomes had already been predetermined.
Meanwhile, at Ojukwu Field, Ward 12 (units 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, etc.), officials reported encouraging turnout. Voting proceeded smoothly with heavy security presence, and by afternoon, counting had commenced in some units within Ward 11.
A ward secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while speaking to reporters, commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what he described as “a free, fair, and well-secured election,” noting that the process was largely devoid of shortcomings.
