The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced August 9, 2025, as the date for fresh local government elections following the Supreme Court’s nullification of the previous polls.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially scheduled fresh local government elections for Saturday, August 9, 2025. This decision follows last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections. The announcement was made by the Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), during a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
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The Supreme Court’s ruling declared the previous elections invalid, rendering the tenure of the elected local government officials void. This development has heightened political tensions in Rivers State, as various political parties and stakeholders prepare for another round of elections.
Justice Enebeli emphasized that the new election date aligns with the legal framework governing the commission. According to him, the fresh polls will be conducted in compliance with Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, along with other relevant provisions. He assured all political parties and stakeholders that the commission would provide clear guidelines and rules for electioneering campaigns.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the commission hereby provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns,” Enebeli stated.
The chairman further confirmed that elections would be held in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State. This means that voters across the state will have the opportunity to elect new representatives for their respective councils.
The Supreme Court’s ruling that led to this fresh election came after legal disputes over the validity of the October 5, 2024, local government polls. The court found that the election process did not comply with constitutional requirements, prompting the need for a fresh exercise. Political analysts believe this decision could significantly impact the political landscape in Rivers State, especially with various parties gearing up for the new elections.
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