The local government elections in Rivers State saw a low turnout of voters in some areas like Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, and a few others, while places like Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, among other Riverrine communities, experienced a very large turnout.

The state was peaceful and calm. Some residents were seen sitting in front of their houses and shops, while a few youths were playing football on the streets.

A drive from Agip axis in Port Harcourt Council to Rumokoro between 8:30am and 9am revealed that some polling units were empty, with no voters or election officers present. However, by 10am, a few voters had come out to exercise their franchise.

Further monitoring showed that late arrival of election materials also delayed the election processes.

However, the situation is different in the Kalabari axis in Rivers State. For instance, there was a large turnout of voters in several polling units, including Ward 1, Unit 15, Asari-Toru LGA, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Onengiyeofori George, cast his vote at about 11:30 am.

Also, Asari-Toru Local Government Area witnessed a large turnout. Voting commenced at different polling units by 11am, as voting materials left the RAC centre at Kalabari National College by 10:30am. Residents were seen queuing excitedly under the sun and waited patiently for their turn to cast their votes.

However, the mode was different in Port Harcourt and other upland areas. Some residents, especially in Port Harcourt city, were apparently not happy, and when asked why they boycotted the elections, they claimed that they are unhappy about democratic elections taking place under an emergency regime.

As of the time this story was filed, some polling units have concluded voting and are awaiting the results.