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Voters in Rivers State will today head to the polls to choose chairmen and councillors across 23 local government areas, despite widespread protests from lawyers, civil society groups, and political stakeholders who argue that the exercise breaches the constitution.
The election, taking place under emergency rule with both the governor and the House of Assembly suspended, has stirred intense controversy, with critics insisting it lacks legal legitimacy.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an initial six-month period on 18 March, following the declaration of a state of emergency. Before this, the Supreme Court had nullified previously held local government elections in the state.
Although the Rivers State High Court on Thursday dismissed a suit seeking to stop the polls, other pre-election cases remain unresolved. One matter before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt is scheduled for hearing on 3 September, casting further doubt on the legality of today’s exercise.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), reconstituted in July 2025 by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), amended the earlier timetable set by the suspended board and fixed today’s vote across the 23 LGAs.
If the election goes successfully, Rivers will become the first state in Nigeria to conduct council polls under emergency rule, a precedent that has provoked controversy.
