Rivers LG Poll: Chaos Erupts As Police Chase Electoral Officials, Voters, Seize Ballot Papers

Chaos broke out during the Rivers State Local Government elections at Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt City’s Ward 19 after heavily armed police operatives stormed the polling venue, dispersing electoral officials and voters with teargas.

Daily Trust reports that The incident occurred on Saturday when about 21 Hilux patrol vans carrying masked and heavily armed officers arrived at the polling station from Elekahia Road. Officials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who were preparing to begin the accreditation process, fled the area along with voters as the police operatives fired teargas canisters into the crowd.

Eyewitnesses told Daily Trust that the police officers chased RSIEC officials out of the ward, forcibly removing their vests and seizing election materials.

According to Daily Trust, one officer was heard shouting, “Come here, remove that vest. What are you doing here? Common move!” as they ordered the officials to hand over their identification vests.

The police continued firing teargas, causing further panic among bystanders and residents who had come out to cast their votes. Many voters and RSIEC staff ran into nearby streets, creating confusion and tension in the area.

Several police vans were seen speeding away from the scene with election materials in their possession.

The disruption brought the election process to a standstill in Ward 19, as voters and officials scrambled for safety amidst the chaos.

When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, claimed to be unaware of the incident, saying, “I’m not aware. You are just telling me now.”