Report on the General Stakeholders Meeting and Unveiling of the 2025 LGA Election Timetable and Guidelines in Rivers State.
Following the Supreme Court’s annulment of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, which led to the removal of all serving Local Government Chairmen , the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) convened a general stakeholders meeting on March 5, 2025. The purpose of the meeting was to unveil the timetable and guidelines for the forthcoming 2025 Local Government Elections.
The meeting, held at the RSIEC Headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, was chaired by the RSIEC Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd) . In his address to stakeholders and the media, he emphasized the commission’s commitment to adhering strictly to the Supreme Court’s ruling and assured all parties of an impartial electoral process. He underscored the importance of creating a level playing field and maintaining an atmosphere free from conflict and confusion. He urged political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders to demonstrate professionalism, adhere to established rules, and uphold ethical standards throughout the electoral process. He announced that the local government elections are scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025 .
Furthermore, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd) informed attendees of subsequent meetings tailored for specific stakeholder groups, including political parties, the press, security agencies, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations (CSOs). These sessions aim to provide detailed briefings and ensure comprehensive understanding of the electoral guidelines.
Representing the Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (#CHHELD) at the stakeholders meeting was the Project Coordinator, David Prince. CHHELD has been actively engaged in civic education, election monitoring, and advocacy for free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.