Rivers State recently conducted its local government council elections, an exercise that drew mixed observations regarding its fairness, conduct, and voter participation. Key figures like the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, offered their perspectives on the polls, while reports from various polling units highlighted both successes and challenges.

Martin Amaewhule, speaking from Unit 15, Ward 1, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area after casting his vote, declared the elections free, fair, and credible. He lauded the professionalism of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) staff, noting a seamless exercise devoid of violence. Amaewhule praised the massive turnout in his ward and unit, emphasizing the people's awareness of the elections' importance and expressing hope that the results would accurately reflect their wishes. He highlighted that voting commenced as early as 8:00 a.m. in his area, a prompt start he attributed to the proximity of RSIEC headquarters. Other electorates in his ward, including Ogbonda Charles and Blessed Amanda, echoed his sentiments, describing the process as fair, good, friendly, and successful.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also cast his ballot at Ward 9, Unit 7, in Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Wike underscored the significance of the elections, stating they paved the way for the return of democratic structures to Rivers State. He extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the polls as part of efforts to restore democracy by September 18. According to Wike, the conduct of these elections removed a major potential conflict point between the governor and the State Assembly, clearing any stumbling blocks that might have led to clashes, even after an emergency rule is lifted. He cited the constitution, asserting that it does not provide for caretaker committees at the local government level, and warned that without elected local government leadership, funds from the Federation Account would not be released to the councils. Wike also expressed confidence in the legality of the current elections, distinguishing them from a previous process on October 5, 2024, which was nullified by the Supreme Court. He commended RSIEC for successfully organizing the polls.

Despite positive assessments in some areas, the elections were also characterized by reports of low voter turnout and logistical issues. In Woji Ward 6, Obio/Akpor, election materials experienced late arrival, delaying the commencement of voting. As late as 10:12 a.m., materials were yet to reach several polling units, including Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 29, and 30, where only a handful of voters were observed waiting. Kingsley Amadi, a voter at Polling Unit 29, attributed the low turnout to the political crisis preceding the election, though he remained optimistic for a smooth process. Notably, there was no visible security presence reported at these specific polling units.

Similarly, Comfort Ndu, an APC agent in Oyigbo Ward 5, decried the low voter turnout, attributing it primarily to poor voter education in the area. She noted that some voters who arrived were not registered at the center, highlighting challenges associated with voter transfer and relocation. Ndu called for intensive voter education for future elections. Wike, addressing the issue of low turnout generally, explained that participation tends to be lower in commercial areas compared to high residential or rural communities. He also observed that non-indigenes in the state rarely participate in local government elections due to the absence of their representatives on the ballot. Conversely, Ekemsi Ukwa, an RSIEC returning officer for Ward 7, Unit 1, reported a hitch-free process with simultaneous accreditation and voting commencing at 10 a.m. after materials arrived at 9:40 a.m., expected to conclude by 3 p.m. William Warigbani, a PDP agent in Oyigbo, even noted his party's unanimous endorsement of the APC chairmanship candidate, Okechukwu Akara, indicating a smooth exercise. Security operatives, including police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were observed at various polling units in some areas, though their presence was not universal. The elections were conducted for both chairmanship and councillorship positions across all 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.