RSIEC pushes forward with plans for 2025 LG polls, snubs House of Assembly

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is pressing ahead with preparations for the local government elections scheduled for August 9, 2025.

The decision to conduct a fresh poll follows a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the 2024 local government elections due to the state’s political crisis.

As part of its preparations, RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), and other top officials were summoned by the Rivers State House of Assembly. This led to the resignation of three RSIEC commissioners, while the Assembly called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the commission’s financial activities.

Despite these challenges, RSIEC announced on Thursday that it has secured all necessary documents for the smooth conduct of the election. Tamunotonye Tobins, RSIEC’s Commissioner for Media and Civic Education, confirmed in a statement that the commission had obtained an updated Register of Voters for Rivers State and the latest list of registered political parties from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission is pleased to inform all stakeholders, political parties, and well-meaning citizens that, as part of our ongoing preparations for the forthcoming local government elections, we have secured from the INEC Headquarters the updated Register of Voters for Rivers State together with the current list of registered political parties in Nigeria,” Tobins stated.

He further assured the people of Rivers State that RSIEC remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in August 2025.