The Okpe-Olomu Community Election Committee in Delta State has suspended the community’s general election after a disturbance disrupted the counting of votes for the position of President General.
The suspended election, held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, was declared inconclusive by the committee following clashes at the voting venue, which it said threatened the safety of participants and the security of lives and property.
In a statement signed by the committee’s Secretary, Hon. Bright Ovayaro, on the direction of its Chairman, Chief Lucky Ohirhian, the committee said the election commenced as scheduled for candidates who had purchased nomination forms and were screened and cleared to contest.
For the President General position, Mr. Peter Oghotomo and Chief Alfred Okoriko were the two cleared candidates.
According to the committee, voting was conducted under a simple majority system, with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, community leaders, stakeholders and observers present.
It said 199 votes cast for Oghotomo were counted, verified and documented before counting commenced for Okoriko.
“However, upon reaching the 30th vote, the counting process was disrupted following a disturbance and distraction by persons seen to be intruders, hoodlums, thugs and non-Okpe-Olomu indigenes in the voting queue,” the statement said.
The situation, it added, escalated into clashes involving supporters of the two sides, forcing the complete suspension of the electoral process.
The committee said it subsequently consulted community leaders, the Elders Council, the Otota and other stakeholders before resolving to suspend the election in the interest of peace and security.
It stressed that no result had been declared for the office of President General or any other position as the entire election processes of today 3rd October, 2026 was suspended.
It also warned that no individual or group should claim victory or parade themselves as winners of the suspended election.
The committee said it would meet with community leaders and stakeholders to review the circumstances surrounding the disruption and determine the way forward and a new date will be scheduled and announced for flesh election into all executive positions in the community.
The electoral committee appealed to candidates, supporters and all sons and daughters of Okpe-Olomu to remain calm and law-abiding while consultations continue.
The committee further urged community members to refrain from statements or actions capable of escalating tensions, stressing that its priority was to ensure an orderly, transparent and peaceful electoral process while protecting lives and property.
