A suspected dynamite explosion shattered the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the early hours of Saturday, causing significant damage to the building.
The blast brought down the gate, destroyed doors and windows, and left other properties in ruins. This marks the second attack on the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC secretariat this year.
The incident occurred just hours before the scheduled local government elections in Rivers State. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission had confirmed the distribution of sensitive materials to various local government areas on Friday. A viral video showed workers assessing the damage, while the state police command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated she had yet to receive a report on the incident but promised to follow up.
Chief Tony Okocha, chairman of the party’s caretaker committee, attributed the attack to supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleging that “pro-Fubara civilian soldiers” were responsible for detonating dynamite at the office. The APC has yet to make an official statement regarding the explosion.
The attack raises concerns about the conduct of the local government elections, which were already marred by controversy. The APC had earlier announced its decision to boycott the polls, while the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also declared its non-participation. The situation remains tense in Rivers State, with many questioning the motives behind the attack.
