Heavy security was observed at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State on Saturday as House of Assembly aspirants underwent screening by the party.
A large deployment of security personnel surrounded the secretariat along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, creating a tense atmosphere as aspirants and their supporters arrived for the exercise. Armed officers were stationed at strategic points around the building, while patrol vehicles were positioned to control traffic and maintain order.
Party officials said the screening was part of preparations for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that the heightened security was necessary to prevent disruptions and ensure a smooth process. Witnesses noted that the presence of security operatives deterred large gatherings outside the secretariat, with only accredited aspirants and party members allowed entry.
The development comes amid heightened political activity in Rivers State, where internal party disputes and rivalries have often led to clashes. Analysts say the APC’s decision to enforce strict security measures reflects broader concerns about maintaining stability as the state gears up for legislative contests.
On social media, reactions were divided. Supporters of the party praised the move as a proactive step to safeguard the process, while critics argued that the heavy security presence highlighted deep-seated tensions within the APC in Rivers.
Background shows that Rivers State has often been a flashpoint in Nigerian politics. In past election cycles, disputes between factions of the APC and rival parties have led to violent confrontations, prompting security agencies to adopt stricter measures during political gatherings. In 2019, internal divisions within the APC in Rivers resulted in the party being excluded from fielding candidates in the general elections after a series of court battles. More recently, tensions between state and national party leaders have fueled fears of instability ahead of 2027.
Similar cases have been recorded in other states. In Lagos, heavy police presence was deployed during APC primaries in 2022 to prevent clashes between rival aspirants. In Kano, security forces were stationed around party offices during the PDP primaries to avert violence. Analysts note that such measures, while criticized by some as excessive, have become common in Nigeria’s political landscape where intra-party disputes often escalate into street-level confrontations.
The Rivers screening exercise underscores the delicate balance between maintaining order and addressing underlying political tensions. Observers say the outcome of the screening and the party’s ability to manage internal disputes will be crucial in shaping APC’s prospects in the state ahead of the legislative and general elections.
