This special edition of the weekly update spotlights rising tensions over alleged election irregularities in the Niger Delta. Historically, elections in the Niger Delta are high stake affairs, generally competitive and oſten characterized by violence. According to data (see map below), over 180 incidents of electoral violence including more than 100 related fatalities were reported in the region between January 2019 and December 2022. Political and communal tensions have seemingly intensified over alleged irregularities including reported incidents of intimidation and voter suppression during the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections in the region. During the elections, for instance, two persons including a pregnant woman were reportedly killed in Emohua LGA, Rivers State. Separately, an electoral official was reportedly shot dead in Ukwuani LGA, Delta State. Also, hoodlums reportedly inflicted machete cuts on two voters and hijacked a voting machine in Onna LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Ominously, protests have been reported in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Imo states in the aſtermath of the elections.
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