By Elizabeth Godwin
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced a new date for the 2025 local government elections, shifting the exercise from August 9 to August 30. The announcement was made on Monday by the RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
According to Odey, the decision to postpone the elections was prompted by the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State, which disrupted the original electoral plans. He explained that the development necessitated an adjustment of the electoral calendar to accommodate the new realities and ensure adequate preparations.
At the meeting, RSIEC unveiled a revised timetable and fresh guidelines for the conduct of the polls. The updated schedule outlines key dates for party primaries, candidate screening, campaign activities, and the recruitment of electoral staff.
Under the new timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 31 and August 3, after which they are to submit the names of their nominated candidates on August 3 and 4. The commission also stated that political campaigns will officially commence on Tuesday, August 12.
RSIEC has slated August 16 for the recruitment of ad-hoc personnel who will assist in the conduct of the elections, while the list of cleared candidates will be published on Wednesday, August 20.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by political party leaders, civil society groups, electoral observers, and media representatives, who reviewed and discussed the revised electoral guidelines.
Odey assured the public that the commission remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. He also urged all stakeholders to adhere to the new schedule and cooperate with the commission to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
With the new date now fixed, political activities across the state are expected to intensify as parties prepare for the grassroots elections that will determine leadership in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
