The recently conducted local government election in Bayelsa State was marred by the late arrival of materials across various council areas, despite being relatively peaceful.
The State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) faced logistical challenges as materials and personnel arrived late in Yenagoa, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw council areas.
Reports emerged of voter apathy alongside incidents of skirmishes, notably in Sagbama LGA, where the Labour Party chairmanship candidate, Timi Ogosi, contested against his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Alice Allen. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked electoral materials intended for several wards in Sagbama LGA.
However, Governor Douye Diri, after casting his vote alongside his wife Gloria, at their polling unit in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, described the election as peaceful.
Diri commended BYSIEC for their handling of the poll and expressed confidence in the victory of his party, the PDP, citing the support garnered from the November 11, 2023, governorship election.
Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who also voted in Sagbama LGA, acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by the electoral umpire, Ewhrudjakpo affirmed the dominance of the PDP in Sagbama and anticipated a fair, transparent, and ultimately victorious voting process for the party.
