Suspected arsonists launched a pre-dawn attack on the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday, detonating explosives and causing significant damage.
The incident, believed to have been carried out with dynamites, targeted the main gate, security house, and parts of an adjoining building.
Video clips circulating on social media provided evidence of the destruction. In response, APC caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, sent a message to journalists accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters of the attack.
Okocha said, “At the wee hours of Saturday, pro-Fubara civilian soldiers detonated dynamites at our office.”
“The second attempt to set it ablaze was foiled as the security at the gate quickly put out the fire.”
This incident occurs amidst controversy surrounding the local government elections, initially scheduled for Saturday across the state. Notably, both the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, led by Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron, have announced their non-participation in the polls.
The APC had previously declared its intention to boycott the elections, while the PDP, in an unexpected move, also withdrew from the contest. The reasons behind their decisions and the implications for the electoral process remain unclear.
The attack on the APC secretariat raises concerns about the escalating tensions and potential violence surrounding the elections. Authorities are yet to comment on the incident or provide information on the perpetrators.
