The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has determined that the local government elections, set for Saturday, August 30, 2025, will take place as scheduled, notwithstanding ongoing legal efforts to suspend the process. Justice Stephen Jumbo rejected a motion to halt the polls, stating it lacked merit. The court granted a motion for substituted
The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has determined that the local government elections, set for Saturday, August 30, 2025, will take place as scheduled, notwithstanding ongoing legal efforts to suspend the process.
Justice Stephen Jumbo rejected a motion to halt the polls, stating it lacked merit.
The court granted a motion for substituted service to the defendants and postponed the substantive case until September 10, 2025.
The suit, filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer Williams Abayomi-Stanley, is challenging the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged role in appointing the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The claimant is seeking judicial interpretation of relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the RSIEC Law.
Speaking after the sitting, counsel to the claimant, Godsent Elewa, expressed satisfaction that one of his motions was granted and pledged readiness to continue with the matter on the adjourned date.
In another case, a former APC House of Assembly candidate, Chima Nnokam, along with four others, has petitioned the court to declare the August 30 elections unconstitutional. Their originating summons, filed against RSIEC, the Rivers State Attorney General, and two financial institutions, claims that the recently appointed RSIEC chairman and members were not lawfully installed and therefore do not have the authority to conduct elections.
The claimants are also seeking an injunction restraining financial institutions from releasing funds to RSIEC, as well as a declaration setting aside all actions taken by the current chairman, Mr. Michael Odey, including the revised election timetable.
Additionally, they want the court to reinstate Justice Adolphus Enebeli and his team as the legitimate RSIEC leadership until their tenure expires. Their prayers include multiple declarations nullifying the current commission’s appointments and restraining the defendants from parading themselves as members of RSIEC.
Many have criticised the Administrator’s decision to hold elections during a state of emergency. Twenty-two Rivers State elders wrote to President Bola Tinubu, calling the election unconstitutional.
It remains unclear if these elections will follow past patterns in Nigeria, with the ruling party winning all chairmanships and councillor seats.
Some argue the election will lack partisanship since the Administrator is not a politician. It remains unclear which party will prevail.
