Security has been tightened across Rivers State as voters head to the polls for today’s local government elections.

The elections, taking place in all 23 local government areas, 319 wards, and over 6,800 polling units, come six months after the Supreme Court annulled the October 2024 polls for violating the Electoral Act.

On Friday, a heavy security convoy led by the Nigerian Police staged a show of force through Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, accompanied by personnel of the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other agencies.

Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents of adequate protection before, during, and after voting.

“We have put arrangements in place to safeguard lives and property. Our personnel and logistics deployment will guarantee a free, safe, and credible election,” he said.

Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Michael Odey, also assured that election materials would reach all polling units, including remote riverine communities. “With the cooperation of security agencies, adequate security has been guaranteed,” he noted.

To maintain order, authorities imposed a restriction of movement from midnight to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The elections are being conducted under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) serving as sole administrator following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy in March.

Analysts say the polls could shape Rivers State’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 governorship election. As of press time, voting was underway at several polling stations, with security operatives maintaining a visible presence in flashpoint areas.