Rivers Local Government Polls To Hold August 30

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, on Monday, July 28, 2025, the unveiled its time table for the conduct of election into Local Council positions in the State.

According to the Chairman of  newly constituted Commission, Cross Rivers State-born Michael Odey, the polls  will hold on August 30, 2025.

This is as it announced that all electioneering campaigns for the election will commence on August 16.

Similarly, all participating political parties are expected to begin and conclude the conduct of their Primaries between July 31, and August 3, 2025.

Odey, at an interactive session with party representatives and other stakeholders held at the Commission’s Secretariat in Port Harcourt,  explained that the exercise originally billed to hold on August 9,2025 was  rescheduled owing to the realities on the ground.

He informed that the August 9, date was fixed before the proclamation of Emergency Rule in the State, which resulted in the disruption of the earlier plans

The Source reports that sequel to the declaration of state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, dissolved the former Electoral body constituted by the suspended Governor , Siminalayi Fubara .

Before then, the Supreme Court, had also declared null and void an earlier polls conducted by Governor Fubara last year.

The new Commission which members were nominated by the President, was only confirmed last month by the National Assembly , which has been  holding brief for the Rivers Lawmakers who were equally suspended alongside the Governor in the wake of the emergency declaration.

The RSIEC Chairman whose confirmation was marred by controversies owing to his state of origin – Cross River State, noted that the changes became imperative in the  light of the change in governance structure.

The Electoral Commission’s Boss, informed that the recruitment of adhoc staff that will assist in the smooth conduct of the exercise will be held on Saturday August 16 , 2025 .

The list of successful Candidates, he added will be on display on Wednesday August 20,2025 for public viewing .

The Source further reports that apprehensions and anxiety have been building up over doubts  about the Commission’s abilities in  maintaining at least semblance of impartiality during the exercise

Already, there are palpable fears in some quarters , particularly, the camp of those sympathic to Governor Fubara, that the exercise, seen as very crucial in defining the control of political structures in the State ahead of the 2027 General Elections, may be tilted in favour of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister to enable him deliver in support of the President’s re-election bid.