The much-anticipated Ogbele Youth Election scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2025, in Ogbele Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, was cancelled due to widespread irregularities, security threats, and violations of electoral guidelines. The election, which was supervised by representatives from the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, was expected to be a peaceful democratic exercise.
However, several incidents disrupted the process, prompting authorities to halt the election for safety and legal reasons. According to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada East LGA, Ekeakita Hector Chinem, said key factors contributing to the cancellation included the participation of non-indigenes, underage and overage individuals, and threats directed at government officials.
“Elections are meant to reflect the will of local constituents. Allowing outsiders to participate not only undermines the democratic process but also breeds tension and confusion among residents,” said Chinem. Reports indicated that some candidates allegedly brought in non-villagers to influence the outcome of the election, creating conflict within the community.
The situation was further worsened by the presence of underage and overage individuals attempting to join the election queue, in clear violation of the constitutionally defined age bracket for youth participation 18 to 50 years. In a particularly alarming incident, representatives from the Youth Ministry in Port Harcourt were allegedly threatened while attempting to intervene in the chaotic proceedings.
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The disruption prompted a security assessment, which concluded that continuing with the election would pose serious risks to lives and public safety. “The safety of all participants must come first. The threats of violence and actual intimidation observed during the event left us no choice but to call for a postponement,” Chinem explained.
A security report submitted on the day of the event highlighted “grave threats to life and public order,” leading the organizers to call off the election. Authorities now plan to conduct a full review of the security framework before announcing a new date. In a firm warning to the community, the CSO emphasized that any individual who falsely claims the title of Ogbele Youth President in the aftermath of the cancelled election will face legal consequences, as detailed in an official government announcement.
While community members expressed disappointment at the suspension, local leaders and youth advocates have called for calm and urged all parties to await the rescheduled election under improved security and stricter eligibility guidelines.The CSO concluded by reiterating the need for civic education, enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms, and adherence to lawful electoral procedures to prevent a repeat of the events that marred the June 13 election.
