The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced plans to conduct fresh local government elections following a directive from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decision comes after the Supreme Court nullified the previous elections held on October 5, 2024.
In response to the ruling, Governor Fubara instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the administration of the 23 local government councils until new elections are conducted. Additionally, he directed RSIEC to begin preparations for fresh polls to elect new leadership across the state’s local governments.
RSIEC Stakeholders’ Meeting and Election Preparations
As part of the election preparations, RSIEC has scheduled a general stakeholders’ meeting to unveil the election timetable and guidelines.
Meeting Details
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Venue: RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt
- Time: 2:00 PM
The RSIEC Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), confirmed that this meeting will officially kick-start the electoral process.
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Who Will Attend?
The stakeholders’ meeting will bring together key players, including:
- Leaders of registered political parties
- Traditional rulers
- Security agencies
- Religious organizations
- Media representatives
- Professional bodies
- Civil society groups
- NGOs and community-based organizations
- Members of the electorate
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the election timetable and guidelines, which will serve as the roadmap for the upcoming elections.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the October 5, 2024, local government elections has significant political and administrative implications. It means that:
- The previously elected local government officials no longer have a legal mandate.
- The HLGAs will temporarily oversee local government affairs.
- A new electoral process must be conducted to ensure a legitimate and democratic transition.
Governor Fubara’s swift action to restore democratic governance at the local level aligns with his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring credible elections.
What Happens Next?
Following the stakeholders’ meeting, RSIEC is expected to:
- Release the official election timetable.
- Open the nomination process for political parties.
- Publish guidelines for candidate eligibility and campaign regulations.
- Collaborate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election process.
With political parties gearing up for the upcoming elections, the stakeholders’ meeting on March 5, 2025, will set the stage for a democratic and transparent electoral process in Rivers State.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Rivers State local government elections as RSIEC continues its preparations.
