Bayelsa Local Government Poll Marred by Delayed Arrival of Materials

The Bayelsa State local government election, held on Saturday by the State Independent Electoral Commission, unfolded with relative peace across the state’s eight local government areas and 105 wards.However, incidents of voter apathy and delayed arrival of voting materials and personnel were reported in Yenagoa, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw council areas.

Remarkably, the major opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), boycotted the council poll. Notably, a skirmish erupted in Sagbama LGA, involving the Labour Party chairmanship candidate, Timi Ogosi, and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Alice Allen.

Hoodlums reportedly seized electoral materials designated for Wards 6, 7, 11, 13, and 14 in Sagbama LGA. Nevertheless, Governor Douye Diri, after casting his vote alongside his wife at their polling unit, praised the BYSIEC’s handling of the election, expressing confidence in the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) victory. Similarly, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also voting in Sagbama LGA, affirmed the PDP’s strength on the ground and anticipated a favorable outcome despite the logistical challenges faced by the electoral umpire.