Thugs have disrupted the state assembly poll in Bayelsa State as they hijacked and burnt election materials for three wards in Ogbia Constituency 2. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deployed to the constituency are already moving back to Yenagoa for safety, as the hoodlums are on the rampage in the area.
The supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly scrambling for the Assembly seat in the area. Both parties are also struggling to form a majority in the next state Assembly in Bayelsa State ahead of the November 11 governorship election in the state.
INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Bayelsa State, Mr Wilfred Ifogah, who confirmed the development to Daily Trust, said the commission will issue a statement later. He revealed that the materials meant for the State Assembly election in about two or three wards in Ogbia Constituency 2 were hijacked and burnt.
The INEC officials are already heading back to Yenagoa, and at the time of filing the report, there will be no election in Ogbia Constituency 2. This incident has sparked concerns about the safety of INEC officials, observers, and voters and the integrity of the electoral process in Bayelsa State.
There have been reports of violence and intimidation in previous elections in Bayelsa State. In the 2019 governorship election, violence erupted in some parts of the state, leading to the death of at least two persons. The situation prompted deploying a joint security team comprising the police, army, navy, and civil defence corps.
The authorities must take decisive action to address the recurring violent incidents during the Bayelsa State elections. It is essential to provide adequate security for INEC officials, observers, and voters to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The political parties and their supporters must also restrain and desist from engaging in violent and unlawful activities that could jeopardize the electoral process. The authorities should hold accountable those who perpetrate violence and break the law during the election.
The INEC should ensure that the affected areas receive adequate attention and resources for free, fair and credible elections. The commission should also communicate effectively with the public on its plans to address the situation and provide regular updates on progress.
Civil society organizations and other stakeholders must also be critical in promoting peaceful and credible elections in Bayelsa State. They should monitor the electoral process closely and report any incidents of violence or irregularities promptly to the appropriate authorities.