Confusion in Rivers as RISIEC Denies Issuing Fresh LG Election Timetable Despite INEC's Warning

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By Barisua Martins 

Contradictions have emerged over the conduct of local government elections in Rivers State, following conflicting statements from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).


While INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, recently criticised the decision of an unnamed State Independent Electoral Commission for planning local government elections with only 21 days' notice — a move he described as unlawful and contrary to a Supreme Court judgment — RSIEC insists it did not release any fresh timetable.

Speaking to newsmen, RSIEC Commissioner in charge of Political Parties Affairs, Monitoring, and Security, Godfrey Woke, maintained that the commission is relying on the original election schedule issued under the former RSIEC Chairman, retired Justice Adolphus Enebele. Woke noted that the timetable remains valid and that most registered political parties have already collected expression of interest forms, ahead of the deadline for submission.

He downplayed concerns raised by INEC about the short notice period, saying only one political party had issues with the process and dismissed claims of factional disputes within the Rivers State APC, one of the parties expected to participate.

Adding to the defense, Professor Chidi Halliday, RSIEC Commissioner for Administration and Legal Matters, explained that the current commission merely continued the processes already set in motion by its predecessor, in full compliance with relevant electoral laws.

However, INEC’s statement casts doubt on the legality and feasibility of the elections, citing the constitutional requirement for a minimum 90-day notice to political parties before any election. Though INEC did not explicitly name Rivers State, observers believe the remarks were directed at RSIEC’s handling of the August 30 poll — the only scheduled local government election currently announced in Nigeria.

The conflicting narratives have raised questions about legal compliance, transparency, and the preparedness of the Rivers electoral body, as the state races toward a controversial election date.

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine 

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