The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced its decision to conduct fresh local government elections in response to a directive from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the previous elections held on October 5, 2024.
The Supreme Court’s decision rendered the previous polls invalid, prompting Governor Fubara to take immediate action. He directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the 23 local government councils across the state until a new election is conducted. Additionally, the governor tasked RSIEC with initiating the necessary preparations to organize fresh elections that will usher in new leadership at the local government level.
To kickstart the electoral process, RSIEC has scheduled a stakeholders meeting to formally unveil the election timetable and guidelines. According to an official statement released by the commissions Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), the meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The venue for the event is RSIEC Headquarters, located at 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt, with proceedings set to begin at exactly 2:00 PM.
The stakeholders meeting is expected to bring together a wide range of participants, including representatives of registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, media personnel, professional bodies, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based groups, and members of the electorate. The primary objective of the gathering is to provide a clear roadmap for the upcoming elections by presenting the official election timetable and guidelines.
The decision to organize fresh local government elections marks a significant step in restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level in Rivers State.
The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively overturned the legitimacy of the previous council elections, necessitating a fresh electoral process. By appointing HLGAs to oversee council affairs in the interim, Governor Fubara has ensured that local government administration continues without disruption while preparations for the new elections are underway.
RSIEC’s move to engage stakeholders underscores the commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process. By bringing together political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and other key players, the commission aims to create an atmosphere of fairness and credibility for the upcoming polls. The presentation of the election timetable and guidelines will provide political parties and aspirants with the necessary framework to prepare for the elections.
As Rivers State prepares for this crucial electoral exercise, attention will be on RSIEC’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. Political parties and candidates will be keen to understand the commission’s guidelines, while voters will be eager to participate in shaping the leadership of their respective local government councils.
With the announcement of fresh elections and the scheduled stakeholders meeting, the electoral process in Rivers State is set to gain momentum, paving the way for new leadership and reinforcing democratic governance at the local level.
