The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced a new date for the conduct of local government elections in the state, shifting the polls to Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Chairman of the Commission, Michael Odey, made this known during the official unveiling of a revised election timetable. He explained that the decision to reschedule the polls—originally set for August 9—was driven by security considerations and in accordance with provisions of the RSIEC Law.
“You may recall that during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the 6th Commission on March 5, 2025, August 9 was declared as the date for the local government council elections,” Odey said. “However, in light of recent developments and the declaration of emergency rule, the 7th Commission has carefully reviewed the situation.”
Citing Section 13(5) of the RSIEC Law, Odey stated that the law empowers the Commission to postpone elections in the event of emergencies, threats to peace, or natural disasters, provided the reasons are cogent and verifiable.
“Therefore, by the powers vested in the Commission, I hereby announce the postponement of the local government elections earlier scheduled for August 9, 2025. The new date is now fixed for Saturday, August 30, 2025, across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State,” he declared.
According to Odey, one councillor will be elected in each ward, while each local government area will elect a chairman and a vice chairman.
He further disclosed that the revised timetable of activities would be made public immediately and that RSIEC has issued updated guidelines to political parties outlining the rules and procedures
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