Mr. Obinna Ebogidi, Convener, Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI).
By Margaret Munsi
THE Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) said it deployed a roving observation mission across key Local Government Areas during Saturday, August 30, 2025 local government elections conducted by Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), in line with its mandate to foster peace, strengthen credibility and build citizen trust in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by the Convener, Obinna Ebogidi, and Lead Observer, Peace Ogiti Obaah, the group said this independent pre-result report provides a detailed account of the set-up, commencement of accreditation and voting, conduct of electoral personnel, voter participation, security deployment, and critical incidents observed across the state.
“This statement reflects our unwavering commitment to objective reporting, restorative engagement, and constructive dialogue.
“We invite all stakeholders to reflect, learn, and act together towards deepening democracy in Rivers State.”
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Introduction
The Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI), consistent with its mandate to promote peace, civic responsibility, and democratic stability, deployed roving observers and received verified reports across multiple local government areas.
This preliminary report highlights key observations on the setup and opening of polling centers, conduct of electoral personnel, security presence, voter participation, and critical incidents. It does not cover the results management process which commences after the close of polls.
Setup and Opening of Polls
By RSIEC guidelines, polling centres were scheduled to open at 8:00 am. RPI observed that while significant efforts were made by RSIEC to deploy materials and personnel across the 319 wards, logistical challenges led to varying experiences across the state.
Timely Deployment
In parts of Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Ahoada East Local Government Areas, materials and officials arrived between 8:00–9:30 am.
For example, at Ahoada Ward 1 Unit 2, materials were present by 8:00 am, and voting commenced promptly at 9:40 am.
Late Deployment
In several locations, especially Obio/Akpor, Eleme, Etche, and Port Harcourt City LGAs, materials arrived late.
In Obio-Akpor Ward 9 Unit 7 (Wimpey Junction), materials arrived at 9:10 am, with accreditation and voting beginning at 10:30 am.
Similarly, in PHALGA Ward 2 (Orogbum Playground), materials arrived around 10:47 am, with voting starting at 11:30 am.
Delays and Absence
In some areas such as Abuloma (Port Harcourt City) and parts of Etche, materials and officials had not arrived even as at 12:00 noon.
Conduct of Polls and Personnel
Accreditation and voting generally commenced simultaneously, ending between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm, depending on the location.
In many units, the process was peaceful and well-coordinated, with reports of complete materials and orderly conduct of polling agents and ad-hoc staff.
However, in a few areas, sorting and counting were not conducted at the unit level, raising concerns about transparency in the collation stage.
Security Presence
RPI observed a strong, professional and widespread security deployment – Police, DSS, Civil Defence; and in some cases Road Safety and Military personnel were present in most units.
Their conduct was largely efficient and confidence-inspiring.
Importantly, security presence helped deter potential crises, ensuring relative calm across most polling centres.
Voter Participation
Turnout varied significantly. High participation was recorded in some rural and semi-urban areas such as Ahoada East (Ward 1 Unit 2 and Ward 4 Unit 10), where citizens turned out early and in numbers.
Low turnout was noted in certain urban centres such as GRA in Port Harcourt (Ward 1, Units 39 & 40), where despite complete materials and peaceful conduct, voter numbers were sparse.
Some wards in Obio/Akpor and PHALGA also recorded average turnout, with voting proceeding peacefully but not at full capacity.
Encouragingly, prominent Rivers citizens were seen queuing alongside ordinary voters, a symbol of civic responsibility and shared ownership of the democratic process.
Critical Incidents
Asari Toru LGA (Ward 1, George’s Compound): Polling officials were disrupted by individuals alleging the absence of result sheets.
Port Harcourt City (Abuloma): As of 12:00 noon, no officials or materials were present at polling units.
Etche LGA (Ward 3, Unit 3): No turnout and no RSIEC presence were reported.
While these incidents were significant, they remained localized and did not escalate into widespread violence.
Comparative Perspective
Today’s elections represent a marked improvement over the annulled exercise previously discredited by the courts. Unlike that poll, where materials were inconsistently distributed to create the semblance of voting, this election witnessed real polling activity across most wards, with active participation, credible presence of party agents, security, and in many cases, the media.
Preliminary Conclusion
The Rivers Peace Initiative acknowledges the efforts of RSIEC to conduct today’s election under challenging circumstances. While logistical and transparency gaps were evident, the improved scale of deployment, professional conduct of security agencies, and peaceful disposition of voters marked progress toward credible elections in Rivers State.
We commend Rivers citizens for their resilience, patience, and peaceful participation, and urge RSIEC to take further steps to strengthen logistics and transparency in the results management phase.
Above all, RPI affirms that today’s exercise was not merely an election, but a reaffirmation of the Rivers people’s determination to preserve peace and democracy amidst turbulence.
This is a preliminary statement. A comprehensive report will be issued after the conclusion of the results management phase.