The Chief Security Officer of Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Comrade Ekeakita Hector Chinem has revealed what led to the cancellation of the recently held Ogbele Youth Election in Ahoada East LGA. A statement personally signed by him said: “The Ogbele Youth Election cancellation resulted from several critical factors involving irregularities that raised substantial concerns about the electoral process.
“The election which was held on Friday, 13th June, 2025, at Ogbele Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, was supervised by representatives from the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development. “Primarily, the involvement of non-villagers in the election led to misunderstandings among local residents. Such situations created the conflict and confusion that undermined the integrity of the election process.
Furthermore, the appearance of underage individuals attempting to compound these issues ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the elections. “Also, the principal reasons for the cancellation were the imposition of candidates and the bringing in of non-villagers to participate in the election. Elections are designed to amplify the voices of local constituents, ensuring that their preferences are adequately represented.
When outsiders are allowed to vote, it disrupts the democratic process, as these non-villagers may not be genuinely interested in the community’s welfare. This participatory imbalance often leads to tensions between residents overshadowed by unfamiliar non-villagers. Recent electoral practices have evidenced the consequences of such irregularities, resulting in calls for stricter regulations regarding who is eligible to join the election.
“Moreover, the situation was further exacerbated by reported threats made against the representatives of the state youth ministry who attempted to intervene. The importance of security during elections can not be overstated, as it ensures a safe environment for electors to express their opinions freely.
“The presence of security forces was crucial to mitigating potential violence and maintaining order. However, the reliance on security also reflects an underlying issue: the community’s inability to manage electoral challenges peacefully. This highlights a broader need for civic education and conflict resolution strategies to empower Ogbele Community in handling election-related disputes effectively.
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“In addition to outsider involvement and security threats, the presence of underage individuals seeking to vote has presented some significant legal and ethical implications. When challenged about their insistence, it led to further misunderstandings and conflicts within the community. “Education about voter eligibility is vital, especially in regions with high levels of youth engagement.
Authorities must ensure that the electorate is adequately informed about voting regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. “The presence of overage individuals at the election venue created a significant issue, as the youth election is specifically designated for individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, by the constitution. When these individuals were asked to leave the premises, their refusal led to a disruption that posed a threat to the safety and security of those in attendance.”
The security report that called for the cancellation of the Ogbele Youth Election in Ahoada highlighted the grave risks and dangers that were present on the day of the scheduled election. The report pointed out the numerous threats to life and the potential for violence that were identified, making it clear that proceeding with the election would jeopardize the safety of all parties involved.
This forced the organizers to make the difficult decision to postpone the election to a later date to conduct a comprehensive review of the security measures in place. “The decision to postpone the election underscores the seriousness of the situation and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals. The necessary precautions must be taken to ensure that the election can be conducted peacefully and securely without putting anyone’s life at risk.
The security report served as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for stringent security measures and a thorough reassessment of the existing protocols. “In light of this development, it is imperative that all parties involved adhere to the decision to postpone the election. Any individual who attempts to falsely claim the title of Ogbele Youth President will face legal consequences, as stated in the official announcement. Everyone must respect the decision to prioritize security and safety above all else and refrain from taking actions that could further escalate tensions or endanger individuals.”
