This special edition of the weekly update spotlights election violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the forthcoming October 05, 2024 local government elections in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. Generally, elections in the Niger Delta are highly competitive, often characterized by violence. According to data (see map above), over 420 incidents of election violence and more than 150 fatalities were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2020 and June 2024. Recent elections in Rivers State have been marred by violence, especially governorship and local elections. In the lead-up to the upcoming local elections, political tensions have seemingly intensified in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. In June 2024, for instance, two persons, including a police officer, were reportedly killed during clashes between supporters of different political groups over the tenure of local government chairpersons in Omuma LGA, Rivers State. In July, the chieftains of a major political party were reportedly attacked and injured by political thugs during a meeting to choose a candidate ahead of the local council elections in Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

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