Rivers LG Election: Voting Commences Across LGAs Amidst Voter Apathy

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Voting has commenced in the various wards and polling units across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State amidst voter apathy.

As at the time of filing this report, in LGAs monitored by THISDAY including PHALGA, Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Khana, Eleme, Oyigbo, Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Okrika, Tai, Gokana, Abua/Odual and Degema local government areas, voting commenced between 10.30am and 11.30 am in polling units that materials had arrived.

It was observed that some polling units had commenced voting while some others were yet to commence voting process as they await election materials.

It was also observed that there was general peaceful atmosphere with security on ground in all the wards and units monitored.

However, voter apathy was also observed as those who came out to vote were few, as compared to the number of registered voters, while others went about their businesses.

Markets visited, including the ever-busy Mile 3 and Creek road markets, in Obio/Akpor and PHALGA, respectively, showed some traders opened their stores for business.

Also, in the majority of the streets and major roads, young people of voting age were seeing playing ball.

It was gathered that voting materials were moved from the three centres in the three senatorial districts to the various local government headquarters on Friday evening.

Participating parties include: Accord Party (AC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Action Peoples Party (APP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Youth Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).