The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the low voter turnout observed in Saturday’s local government elections, especially in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

The Guardian reported that the two local councils, among others, observed voter apathy, with residents expressing concerns that it is wrong for democratic local government elections to be held under an emergency regime. They cited this as a reason for not exercising their right to vote.

However, speaking shortly after voting at Ward 9, Polling Unit 7, Rumuekpiriko in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the State, Wike dismissed the poor voter turnout.

Wike said, “Local Government elections, most times, the voting starts by 10 am, but when you go to polling units by 9 am, what do you expect?

“Go to Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Emohua, Kalabari axis, and see massive turnout of voters. Don’t go to a few centres in the city, where people don’t live, and you conclude that there is voter apathy.”

The minister also confirmed that the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State Assembly members will be reinstated by September 18, 2025, after the council elections.

Wike said, “By September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state governor and assembly members will be reinstated and then, having done this, the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted. The state governor will resume, and we are good to go in the state.”

He urged residents to commend the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting a peaceful election, where there were no records of ballot box snatching or violence.