The local government election in Bayelsa State, conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission, was relatively peaceful across the eight local government areas and 105 wards of the state. Despite some challenges such as voter apathy and late arrival of voting materials and personnel in various council areas, the election proceeded smoothly.
One notable absence was the major opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, which chose to shun the council poll. However, a skirmish did occur in Sagbama LGA between the Labour Party chairmanship candidate, Timi Ogosi, and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Alice Allen, where some hoodlums reportedly hijacked electoral materials.
Governor Douye Diri, after casting his vote in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, praised the BYSIEC for their handling of the election and expressed confidence in the PDP’s success in the poll. Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo also expressed optimism in the PDP’s victory, citing the party’s strong support in the region.
Overall, both leaders emphasized the peaceful and transparent nature of the electoral process, despite logistical challenges faced by the electoral umpire. With high hopes for a successful outcome, the election is expected to usher in a new leadership at the local government level in Bayelsa State.
