Nigeria Suspected Arsonists Attack APC Secretariat in Rivers Before LG Elections

An explosion rocked the APC secretariat in Rivers State hours before local government elections. Suspected arsonists, allegedly linked to Governor Fubara's supporters, detonated dynamite at the site. The incident adds tension as both APC and PDP announced non-participation in the elections. Investigations into the attack are ongoing.

In the early hours of Saturday, suspected arsonists targeted the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, just hours before the local government elections. Explosives, believed to be dynamites, were detonated, damaging the main gate, the security post, and a nearby building. Short video clips shared on social media highlighted the extent of the damage.

Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC, accused supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being behind the attack. Okocha alleged that the attackers made a second attempt to set the building on fire, but the security personnel on-site managed to extinguish the flames.

The APC had earlier announced that it would not participate in the local government elections, a stance also shared by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The incident has heightened tensions as the elections proceed, casting a shadow over the political atmosphere in the state.

Despite the escalating situation, both parties have maintained their decision to abstain from the elections, while investigations into the attack continue. The explosion has added another layer of uncertainty to an already contentious political climate in Rivers State.