Widespread shootings, ballot box snatching and vote buying have characterised the bye-election in the Port Harcourt III Constituency in Rivers State. The violence was reported on almost all polling units spread across Diobu area that constituted a greater percentage of the constituency with you wielding dangerous weapons including guns harassing election officials and snatching ballot boxes. The bye-election which kicked off peacefully suddenly turned violent before noon as teeming armed thugs shoot through flashpoints, snatching ballot boxes or robbing election officials and innocent residents of phones and other valuables. He said that even though the gangs were chanting APC, they could be from any party but just claim APC to make a determined impression. Vehicles were later seen driving out of the premises ostensibly to take materials to Independence National Election Commission (INEC) office.

Source: Nigerian Tribune August 18, 2018 16:07 UTC