Rivers Electoral Body Shifts Council Polls to August 30

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has fixed Saturday, August 30, 2025, as the new date for the local government elections across the state.

The polls were earlier scheduled to hold on August 9, but the commission says it was forced to adjust its calendar following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

Announcing the new date during a stakeholders’ meeting held Monday at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, RSIEC Chairman Michael Odey said the change was necessary due to disruptions caused by the emergency situation.

“This development has affected the initial timetable, and in view of the new realities, it became imperative to adjust the electoral calendar,” he said.

The revised timetable, unveiled at the meeting, outlines fresh dates for party primaries, candidate screening, campaigns, and the main elections.

According to RSIEC, political parties are now expected to conduct their primaries between July 31 and August 3, and submit names of nominated candidates on August 3 and 4.

Electioneering will officially begin on Tuesday, August 12, while recruitment of ad-hoc staff is scheduled for Saturday, August 16.

The list of candidates is expected to be published on Wednesday, August 20, ahead of the council elections.

Stakeholders present at the briefing included political party leaders, election observers, and members of the media, who reviewed the new guidelines and timelines.