Explosion Targets Rivers APC Secretariat Amid Local Election Tensions

Suspected arsonists attack the Rivers APC secretariat just hours before the local government elections, heightening political tension

Just hours before the much-anticipated local government elections, tension escalated in Rivers State as an explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat. The incident has further fueled political unrest in the state. According to reports, the explosion rocks Rivers APC secretariat early Saturday morning, in what is suspected to be an arson attack.

Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the APC caretaker committee in Rivers State, confirmed the attack in a message to journalists. Okocha claimed that supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara were behind the assault, accusing them of targeting the APC office in a deliberate act of political violence. “In the early hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office,” Okocha said.

The explosion rocks Rivers APC secretariat at a critical time, just hours before the local government elections, intensifying the already heated political environment. Fortunately, a second attempt to set the building on fire was quickly thwarted by security personnel at the gate. Okocha mentioned that the quick response of the security team prevented further damage, ensuring the fire was extinguished before it could spread.

As the Rivers State political climate becomes more volatile, the explosion adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding the elections. The attack raises concerns about the safety and fairness of the electoral process, casting a shadow over the upcoming polls. Despite these developments, local authorities and party officials continue to push for a peaceful and transparent election process, urging calm among supporters.

The explosion at the Rivers APC secretariat highlights the high stakes of the local government elections, with political rivalries threatening to spiral out of control. As the investigation into the attack unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth election process and preventing further acts of violence.