The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is pressing forward with its preparations for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for August 9, 2025. This decision comes despite opposition from the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had earlier raised concerns about the commission’s activities.
The fresh election follows a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the local government polls conducted in 2024, citing irregularities. In response to the court’s judgment, RSIEC announced its plans to hold new elections to fill the leadership positions in the state’s local councils.
However, the Rivers State House of Assembly has questioned the commission’s decision to proceed. The Assembly summoned RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), along with other top officials, to explain their actions.
The lawmakers also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the commission’s financial transactions.
Amid the controversy, three RSIEC commissioners resigned from their positions, raising further concerns about the credibility of the election process. Despite these setbacks, RSIEC remains committed to conducting the polls as planned.
On Thursday, the commission announced that it had obtained all the necessary documents required for the election. Tamunotonye Tobins, RSIEC’s Commissioner for Media and Civic Education, released a statement in Port Harcourt confirming that the commission had received the updated Register of Voters from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along with a current list of registered political parties in Nigeria.
Tobins stated: “The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission is pleased to inform all stakeholders, political parties, and the well-meaning citizens of the state that as part of ongoing preparations for the forthcoming Local Government Council Elections, the Commission has secured from the INEC Headquarters, the updated Register of Voters for Rivers State together with the current list of Registered Political Parties in Nigeria.”
He further assured the public that RSIEC is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections on August 9.
