RSIEC Convenes Stakeholders’ Meeting Ahead of 2025 Rivers LG Elections

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Monday convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at its headquarters in Port Harcourt, signalling the commencement of preparations for the 2025 Local Government Elections.

The meeting, aimed at fostering inclusive participation and transparency, comes as the commission prepares to unveil a revised timetable and updated guidelines for the polls.

According to a statement signed by the RSIEC Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Dr Michael Ekpali Odey, the gathering brings together a cross-section of political, traditional, religious, and civil society leaders.

“The meeting will feature the official presentation of the revised timetable and guidelines for the forthcoming local government elections,” Odey stated.

Those invited to the meeting include leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious groups, media organisations, professional bodies, civil society organisations, NGOs, community-based organisations, and members of the electorate.

Participants had already taken their seats as of Monday morning, awaiting the official commencement of proceedings.

The latest development follows significant administrative changes within RSIEC. The previous election timetable had scheduled local government polls for August 9, 2025, under the leadership of former RSIEC Chairman, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

However, the commission’s board was dissolved by the state’s Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, shortly after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The state of emergency also led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly — a move that dramatically altered the state’s political landscape.

Monday’s meeting is expected to address concerns over electoral integrity and set a clear roadmap for the 2025 polls, amid the tense political environment in the state.