By Francis Ajuonuma
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has fixed Saturday, August 30, 2025, as the new date for the conduct of the state’s local government elections, following the rescheduling of the earlier-slated August 9 exercise.
Chairman of the Commission, Justice Michael Odey (retd), announced the revised date on Monday during a stakeholder meeting held at the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The Commission also released an updated timetable and fresh guidelines for the conduct of the elections.
Justice Odey explained that the shift became necessary due to the state of emergency that had been earlier declared in the state, which disrupted the electoral preparation timelines.
“In light of the new realities and to ensure credible, inclusive, and peaceful polls, the Commission has decided to move the local government elections to August 30, 2025,” he said.
According to the revised schedule, political parties are expected to hold their primaries between Wednesday, July 31, and Saturday, August 3. The submission of candidates’ names is slated for August 3 and 4.
Electioneering campaigns are expected to commence on Tuesday, August 12, while the recruitment of ad-hoc personnel will take place on Saturday, August 16. The final list of cleared candidates will be displayed on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by leaders of political parties, civil society groups, electoral observers, and media representatives, who reviewed the updated guidelines and expressed support for the Commission’s resolve to ensure transparency and compliance with the new timeline.
RSIEC emphasised its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections despite the challenges posed by the emergency in parts of the state.
