The local government poll (election) in Bayelsa State, overseen by the State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC), unfolded relatively peacefully across the state’s eight local government areas and 105 wards. Despite reports of some challenges such as late arrival of voting materials and personnel in several areas including Yenagoa, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw, the overall atmosphere remained calm.
The absence of the major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), marked a notable aspect of the election. However, a minor disturbance was reported in Sagbama LGA, where a clash occurred between the chairmanship candidates of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), namely Timi Ogosi and Alice Allen respectively. There were reports of electoral materials being intercepted by some miscreants in certain wards of Sagbama LGA.
Governor Douye Diri, after casting his vote alongside his wife at their polling unit in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, commended BYSIEC for the orderly conduct of the election. Expressing confidence in his party, the PDP, he anticipated a favorable outcome based on the party’s popularity among the electorate, particularly evidenced by the previous governorship election results.
Similarly, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, speaking after voting in his ward in Ofoni community, Sagbama LGA, echoed optimism about the PDP’s prospects in the election. He acknowledged logistical challenges faced by the electoral commission but affirmed the widespread support for the PDP in Sagbama, indicating a likely victory for the party. Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the fairness and transparency of the ongoing electoral process.
Comments 1