The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has ruled that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, will go ahead as planned, despite legal challenges seeking to halt the process.
Court Dismisses Bid to Stop Polls
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Stephen Jumbo dismissed a motion aimed at stopping the polls, describing it as “lacking in merit.”
The judge, however, granted a motion for substituted service to the defendants and adjourned the substantive case to September 10, 2025.
The suit was initiated by Williams Abayomi-Stanley, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer, who is challenging the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged involvement in appointing the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Claimant Seeks Judicial Interpretation
Abayomi-Stanley is asking the court to interpret sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the RSIEC Law regarding the commission’s leadership.
His counsel, Godsent Elewa, expressed satisfaction that one of their motions was granted and confirmed readiness to pursue the matter further on the adjourned date.
Fresh Suit Targets RSIEC Chairman
In a separate case, former APC House of Assembly candidate Chima Nnokam and four others are seeking to nullify the elections entirely.
The plaintiffs argue that the newly appointed RSIEC chairman, Michael Odey, and his team were unlawfully installed and therefore lack the authority to oversee the polls.
They also filed for an injunction to restrain financial institutions from releasing funds to RSIEC and asked the court to set aside all actions taken by the current chairman, including the revised election timetable.
Call for Old Leadership’s Reinstatement
The claimants further requested the court to reinstate Justice Adolphus Enebeli and his former team as the legitimate RSIEC leadership until their tenure ends.
Their prayers include multiple declarations nullifying the new commission’s appointments and restraining its members from parading themselves as RSIEC officials.
What Next?
While the ruling allows the August 30 local government elections to proceed, legal battles over the legitimacy of the RSIEC leadership are expected to continue, potentially shaping Rivers State politics in the months ahead.