After over two years of political instability, Rivers State is cautiously moving towards democratic restoration with the rescheduling of local government elections. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced a new timetable, with elections now set to hold on August 30, 2025, signaling a critical step in restoring governance at the grassroots level.
The announcement came after a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the new RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Ekpali Odey, who engaged political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, security agencies, religious groups, and the media to finalize preparations.
According to Dr. Odey, elections will be conducted in all 319 wards and 23 local government areas, replacing the earlier date of August 9, fixed by former RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd.). Political parties are to declare their interest between July 28 and 30, hold primaries by August 2, and commence official campaigns from August 20.
Political Divide Widens
The response from political parties has been mixed. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through State Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, expressed readiness to participate fully.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains split. While the Tony Okocha-led faction supports participation, the Emeka Beke-led faction has distanced itself from what it describes as an “illegal process.”
Speaking to BBC Pidgin, APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju said, “This is a continuation of the illegality that has been happening in Rivers State, and we will not be a party to it.” He questioned why RSIEC is proceeding with elections when INEC had cited a state of emergency as reason for not conducting a bye-election in Khana Constituency 2, following the death of Hon. Dinebari Loolo in 2023.
The Action Peoples Party (APP), whose previous landslide win in 22 of the 23 councils was annulled by the Supreme Court, has also raised constitutional concerns. Henry Ekine, APP’s legal adviser, noted that the RSIEC postponed the election due to the emergency rule, but queried what happens if the situation remains the same by August 30.
Legal Battles and Federal Control
The fresh electoral timeline stems from a Supreme Court judgment on February 28, 2025, which nullified the controversial October 2024 LG elections conducted by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, citing violations of the 2022 Electoral Act. The ruling dissolved all 23 LG councils and barred INEC from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC at the time.
Following the court decision, Governor Fubara ordered all APP-led councils to vacate office and hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration. The move further deepened tensions, eventually prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
This led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) was appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The emergency rule, now in its fifth month, is due to expire on September 18, 2025, and Ibas is currently overseeing preparations for the LG elections.
Controversial Appointment, Assurances of Credibility
Dr. Odey’s appointment as RSIEC Chairman initially stirred controversy due to his non-Rivers origin—he hails from Cross River State—and the lack of consultation with suspended state authorities. However, following a reconciliation effort at the National Assembly, the appointment was confirmed.
At the stakeholder meeting, Dr. Odey reassured all parties of RSIEC’s commitment to conducting “free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections.”
As election day draws near, the spotlight remains on whether Rivers State can truly return to democratic governance amidst legal uncertainties, political divides, and ongoing emergency rule.
Credit: BBC Pidgin
