Residents across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas are set to vote in local council elections on Saturday, with 6,866 polling units prepared for the exercise.
The polls come just over six months after the Supreme Court nullified the last local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, citing violations of the Electoral Act.
The elections, taking place in 319 wards, are considered crucial, not only for local governance but also as a bellwether for the 2027 governorship race in the oil-rich South-South state.
Ahead of the vote, RSIEC Chairman Michael Odey urged eligible voters to participate peacefully.
He assured residents of the timely delivery of election materials, including to rural and riverine areas, and confirmed that security arrangements had been strengthened with the help of the police.
Movement will be restricted from midnight to 6 p.m. on election day.
In a bid to boost public confidence, a joint security show of force took place on Friday.
A convoy of personnel and vehicles from the Nigerian Police, Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, and others patrolled major roads in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs, showcasing readiness to maintain peace.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said full deployments have been made to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
Rivers remains under emergency rule, administered by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), appointed by President Bola Tinubu on March 19, 2025.
This followed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly after a political crisis between Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Although both men have since reconciled following presidential intervention, Rivers continues to be governed by a sole administrator.
Despite security assurances, several observers and civil society groups have criticized the timing and conduct of the election.
Legal analyst Chetam Nwala argued on Sunrise Daily that holding elections under emergency rule and with an RSIEC chairman appointed by the sole administrator is undemocratic.
Also speaking on Sunrise Daily, Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, expressed concern over the presence of both APC and PDP candidates, calling it a “political concoction” aimed at confusing voters.
He claimed the arrangement was designed to mask underlying power plays and urged Rivers people to remain vigilant.
The Supreme Court nullified the 2024 local elections due to what it called “gross violation” of the Electoral Act, including the continuation of voter registration even after an election date had been announced.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, delivering the ruling, declared the election process void, citing non-compliance with Section 150 of the Electoral Act.
The court also barred federal financial institutions from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until it complies with earlier court orders.
