Supporters of Diri stage protest at INEC office amid Bayelsa result delay

Tension mounts in Bayelsa as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postpones the announcement of results for Southern Ijaw and Brass local government areas in the gubernatorial race.

Governor Duoye Diri, seeking re-election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leads with 137,909 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, trails behind at 73,503 votes, with a significant gap of 64,406 votes.

As the announcement remains pending, hundreds of Diri’s supporters encircle the INEC office in Yenagoa, demonstrating their allegiance through chants and dance. They fear potential manipulation of the yet-to-be-announced results.

Southern Ijaw and Brass, critical areas with substantial voter numbers, are awaited, and concerns arise about potential alterations, particularly as the APC candidate hails from Brass.

Supporters vow to resist any possible manipulations, emphasizing the necessity for transparent and fair proceedings from INEC.

In response, security forces have secured roads leading to the INEC office, deploying armored vehicles and patrol units to maintain order and security during the result collation.

INEC is anticipated to release the remaining results by noon.