This weekly update spotlights electoral violence in the Niger Delta. Elections in the Niger Delta are high stake affairs, often characterized by violence. According to data (see map below), over 240 incidents of electoral violence were reported in the region between January 2019 and April 2022, including more than 150 related fatalities. In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, the political situation is already charged with many reported incidents of violence in all the States in the region. In May 2022, for instance, a youth leader was reportedly killed during the primary elections of a political party in Ukanafun LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Separately, in May, a man was reportedly killed during the primary elections of a political party in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. Also, in May, political thugs reportedly attacked the venue of the primary elections of a political party and shot sporadically to scare away security personnel and party delegates in Isoko North LGA, Delta State. More recently, on May 23, 2022, a policeman was reportedly shot dead at the venue of the primary elections of a political party in Obudu LGA, Cross River State.
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