The people of Rivers State went to the polls on Saturday, August 30, 2025, to elect chairmen and councillors for the 23 local government areas and 319 wards of the state.
The exercise, which was largely peaceful, witnessed impressive turnout in some polling units, as voters defied the short notice in the electioneering process to exercise their franchise.
However, some residents expressed doubts about the credibility of the polls, describing the process as a mere formality. They claimed that winners had already been predetermined by political leaders, insisting their votes might not count.
While several polling units across the state recorded low turnout others, such as in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), saw enthusiastic participation and orderly conduct.
The low turnout in some areas was linked to claims by sections of the public that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ete Ibas, a retired Navy Admiral, lacked the legal mandate to oversee elections, leading to widespread disillusionment.
Despite this, some quarters commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what they described as the “successful conduct” of the polls across the 23 LGAs, 319 wards, and 4,442 polling units in the state.
In ONELGA, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate, Chief Barrister Shedrack Chukwu Ogbogu, after casting his ballot at Unit 7, Ward 9, praised the commission and the electorate for their commitment to democracy.
“It is going on free and fair. Nobody can claim there is thuggery; everybody is cooperating, all the party agents are around, and you choose who you want to vote. Despite being from here, I will not intimidate anybody. Everybody has a right to vote for who will rule him,” Ogbogu said.
He further applauded RSIEC for following due procedures. “I wish to thank RSIEC for a seamless process. Special thanks to everyone who came out to participate in this all-important election.”
All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Emuoha, Chidi Lloyd, commended the peaceful conduct of the local elections in the area, describing the exercise as seamless and rancor-free.
Lloyd expressed gratitude for the absence of violence and lauded the atmosphere of camaraderie among voters.
“The election in Emuoha has been adjudged to be very peaceful, seamless, rancor-free. That’s why you are able to make it to my community for this interview. You can see the camaraderie going on people eating, drinking, and talking,” he said.
Also see: Election Day Unfolds Peacefully in Emohua LGA
The APC aspirant noted that a new political culture was emerging in Rivers State, where credible candidates from different parties now contest freely without intimidation.
“It’s no longer a winner-takes-all thing. When the selection process from the primaries is transparent, people will support the candidate at the general election”.
Lloyd further advocated reforms to strengthen the electoral process, particularly the adoption of electronic voting, which he said would boost credibility and voter confidence.
“I would prefer electronic voting. It makes it seamless and neat. When my details are logged in and my photograph just pops up, it builds confidence”.
On the challenge of logistics, Lloyd acknowledged that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) still relies on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for vehicles, which sometimes leads to late arrival of materials.
However, he commended the commission for improvements in the recruitment of ad-hoc staff and the noticeable reduction in result manipulation.
“We didn’t see too much mutilation of results. The culture is coming to stay a political culture that is evolving,” Lloyd affirmed.
