Panic as APC, PDP members clash in Rivers over inspection of INEC materials

Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state, sending a wave of panic across the city.

The altercation occurred on Monday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office located in the GRA area of Port Harcourt.

Tonye Cole, governorship candidate of the APC, had arrived at the INEC office to inspect materials used for the election that was held on March 18.

TheCable understands that the fracas broke out when PDP members, who were already at the INEC office, insisted that both parties inspect the materials at the same time.

The PDP members led by Edison Ehie, deputy speaker of the Rivers house of assembly, argued that a joint inspection would ensure that there is transparency in the process.

The situation degenerated into a fracas that led to gunshots and the reported injury of one person.

The police in Rivers are yet to comment on the incident.

Cole had said that he would challenge the outcome of the governorship that produced Siminialayi Fubara, the candidate of the PDP, as the winner.

The inspection of the materials, he said, will enable him and his party to file a petition against the election at the tribunal.

Fubara polled 302,614 votes to defeat the APC candidate who secured 95,274 votes in the governorship election.