Voters in Rivers State are choosing chairmen and councillors today, the 30th of August, 2025, in the Rivers State local government elections, covering 23 LGAs and facing boycotts, lawsuits, and strong opposition from civil society groups, lawyers, and political leaders
The elections are unprecedented. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared emergency rule in March after unrest. That decision suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly for six months.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is driving disputes in the Rivers State local government elections. In July 2025, Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) reconstituted RSIEC and rescheduled the elections.
Critics argue the move violates the 2018 RSIEC Law, which allows only an elected governor, with legislative approval, to appoint members. They also accuse the commission of ignoring the 90-day notice period required before announcing polls.
Prominent leaders; including Atedo Peterside, Celestine Omehia, Uche Secondus, Abiye Sekibo, Lee Maeba, Dakuku Peterside, Andrew Uchendu, and Ann-Kio Briggs, condemned the elections as unconstitutional.
“These elections, staged by a Sole Administrator with no mandate, endanger Nigeria’s democracy,” they declared.
Rivers Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju imposed movement restrictions from midnight to 6 p.m. He warned cultists and thugs against disrupting the Rivers State local government elections.
“We have all it takes to prevent breaches of peace,” he said. Essential workers and election staff can move with official tags.
Chief Judge Simeon Amadi also set up three election petition tribunals, one per senatorial district, to hear disputes within 30 days.
RSIEC Chairman Dr. Michael Odey confirmed ballot papers, boxes, and voter guides have been distributed to all 23 LGAs and 319 wards. He pledged to deliver free, fair, and credible Rivers State local government elections.
The Sole Administrator also declared a half-day work schedule yesterday. Acting Head of Service Dr. Inyingi Brown said the measure would allow workers to travel and vote.
If concluded, Rivers will be the first state in Nigeria to hold local government elections during emergency rule. Critics warn this sets a dangerous precedent.
Past emergency rules under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (2004) and Goodluck Jonathan (2011-2013) suspended governors and assemblies but did not allow local polls. In Rivers, however, elections are being conducted while democratic institutions remain suspended.
Analysts say the Rivers State local government elections could reshape Nigeria’s democracy. The outcome may either validate elections under emergency rule or deepen public mistrust in the political system.
For many Rivers voters, today’s polls remain historic yet deeply contested, an election some may choose to boycott.
