Blast Strikes Rivers APC Office Before Local Elections

Tension escalated in Rivers State today as an explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, just hours before the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5. Individuals suspected to be arsonists allegedly detonated explosives at the opposition party’s headquarters, sparking concern across the state.

The explosion, believed to have been caused by dynamite, occurred in the early hours of the morning, damaging the APC secretariat’s main gate, security post, and parts of a nearby building. The incident has intensified the already heated political atmosphere as Rivers State prepares to hold its local government elections.

Reports suggest that the explosion took place just as the APC was finalizing its plans to abstain from the election. In a video circulating online, damage to the entrance and adjacent areas of the APC secretariat is clearly visible. The party’s leadership has wasted no time in pointing fingers, accusing supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the attack.

Chief Tony Okocha, the chairman of the APC’s caretaker committee, was quick to address the media, stating: “At the wee hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamite at our office. The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled by security personnel at the gate who swiftly put out the fire.” This allegation has further fueled the tension in Rivers State, where political rivalries are known to run deep.

The explosion at the APC secretariat comes at a critical time as the state braces for the local government election. The timing of the incident has led many to speculate about the potential political motives behind the attack.

The APC had already declared its decision to abstain from today’s election, citing concerns over fairness and transparency. However, the explosion has raised fresh questions about the security and safety of political actors and voters alike. In an unexpected twist, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, also announced its decision to pull out of the elections, a move that has left many puzzled.

The situation in Rivers State is now more unpredictable than ever. The detonation at the APC secretariat has not only raised fears of further violence but also put a spotlight on the fraught political landscape. With both major parties stepping back from the local government elections, the future of the state’s political direction remains uncertain.

Following the explosion, security forces have reportedly heightened their presence in key areas of Port Harcourt, particularly around the APC secretariat and other potential flashpoints. Local authorities are urging calm, but tensions are still high as voters wonder how the incident will impact the electoral process.

The explosion at the APC secretariat underscores the deep-rooted divisions between political factions in Rivers State. With the local government elections now in question, many are left to wonder what lies ahead for the state’s political future.

For now, the incident has cast a shadow over the local government elections, leaving voters and political observers waiting anxiously for what will come next.