Nigeria: Officials to restrict vehicular and pedestrian movement amid local election in Rivers State Oct. 5

Officials will restrict vehicular and pedestrian movements in Rivers State amid the Local Government elections from 00:01 to 17:00 on Oct. 5. There will be exemptions for those with valid identification or carrying out essential duties. In addition, officials have declared Oct. 3 and 4 public holidays to allow voters to travel to their community for polling day. Protest activities are likely before, during, and after election day. An increased security presence has been reported amid demonstrations of political parties in front of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Oct. 3.

Heightened security is likely near all polling stations on Oct. 5 and across the state to enforce the movement restrictions. Likely gathering locations before and after the polls include electoral commission buildings and political headquarters. Demonstrators may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Clashes and other forms of violence may occur involving rival political groups. Tensions are often elevated during national and local elections in Nigeria. Reports of fraud, such as vote buying and rigging, may inflame tensions and lead to unrest.