The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has rescheduled the local government election in the state from 9 August to 30 August 2025, drawing mixed reactions from political parties and civil society groups.
RSIEC Chairman, Dr Michael Odey, announced the change after a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, citing procedural reasons.
The new date has drawn support from major political parties, but also sparked opposition from civil society groups.
State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, welcomed the change, noting that unlike under the previous RSIEC leadership, political parties were fully consulted.
“I just feel that Rivers people and Nigerians should see that things are properly done now. That is why you didn’t see anybody who will raise dust, no. Things are well done,” he said.
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PDP Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, said the party remained prepared despite the shift, while Labour Party’s South-South Vice Chairman, Favour Reuben, described the extension as legal and necessary. The Youth Party also pledged participation but urged RSIEC to ensure fairness.
However, the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) and the Civil Liberties Organisation rejected the new date, demanding suspension of the exercise.
SSYI President, Oscar Imiabe, argued that the poll should only hold after the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning of possible litigations.
The CLO, through its Rivers spokesperson, Emmanuel Obe, faulted the timetable for failing to meet the Electoral Act’s 90-day notice requirement, and questioned the legality of the new RSIEC board.
