FOR THE RECORD: Bayelsa Election ‘Inconclusive’

Former governor Timipre Sylva and incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson (Image source: PREMIUM TIMES)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the cancellation of election in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state, consequently rendering the governorship election inconclusive. Baritor Kpaghir, the resident electoral commissioner, announced the cancellation at the collation centre in Yenagoa, capital of the state.

Citing violence and irregularities, Kpaghir announced that a new date would be set for the rescheduled exercise.

TheCable report continues:

The election of the local government was initially rescheduled from Saturday to Sunday as a result of violence.

Earlier, the returning officer had said he could not make a declaration on the election, since the number of registered voters in Southern Ijaw local government exceeded the gap between the two leading candidates, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While more than 120,827 voters were registered in the pending local government, Dickson had 105,748 votes and Sylva 71,794 after announcement of results in seven of the eight local governments in the state.

TheCable reports that the Bayelsa state police command has imposed a ban on rallies and protests in the state, saying “information at its disposal” reveal that there is a plot to” jeopardize the electoral process”.

Hashimu Argungun, a deputy inspector-general of police, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Argungun said the law enforcement agents would not hesitate to deal with whoever foments trouble.

“Information at our disposal revealed that some disgruntled elements are planning to carry out illegal demonstrations, procession and rallies,” the statement read.

“This form of conduct will jeopardize the ongoing electoral process. Therefore, the command warns the intending perpetrators to desist from such acts, as it will deal decisively with any person or group of persons who wishes to engage in any conduct that will compromise the existing peaceful atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, activities at the collation centre have been suspended after the announcement of results from Ogbia local government.

Zana Akpagu, the returning officer, said results from two local government areas were still being awaited.
So far, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won five of the six local governments announced by INEC, leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) with just one.