Local Government Elections in Rivers State: Controversy and Compliance with Court Orders

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has commenced the conduct of local government elections across the 23 local government areas of the state. These elections are being held in 319 wards and 6366 polling units, targeting over three million registered voters as recorded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023.

Notably, 18 out of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties are participating in this electoral process, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), currently the ruling party in the state, abstaining from the elections. Historically, the PDP has dominated local government elections in the state, but this year marks a potential shift towards opposition parties taking control of local councils for the first time since 1999.

Governor Siminialayi Fubara observed that his party, the PDP, is likely the greatest loser in this election since it is not participating, stating, “But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of the local government, as governor, I have to comply,” he noted.

The elections come in the aftermath of a Supreme Court ruling mandating democratically elected local government councils in Nigeria, forcing at least ten states, including Akwa Ibom, Benue, and others, to conduct similar elections. “Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, ending on 15 October 2024,” Governor Fubara stated in a broadcast.

The PDP in Rivers State, supported by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed strong opposition to the conduct of these elections. Aaron Chukwuemeka, the state chairman of PDP, emphasized after a protest that his party will not stand by while RSIEC proceeds with the elections, citing a court ruling that restrained RSIEC from conducting the local polls and security agencies from participating.

Legal battles have emerged between political factions, with various cases filed in the Federal High Court and State High Court, challenging the credibility and legality of the elections. On September 6, 2024, Justice I.P.C. Igwe ruled in favor of conducting the elections, whereas subsequent injunctions, such as that from Justice Peter Lifu, have blocked the elections, citing a breach of electoral law by RSIEC.

Adding to the complexities, the Rivers State Police Command declined to provide security for the elections, adhering to a federal court order. This development follows an incident where Governor Fubara expelled individuals identified as “rogue policemen” from RSIEC premises, accusing them of attempting to seize electoral materials. The police headquarters, however, refuted these claims.

Youth protests arose in response, with demonstrators blockading the RSIEC office in an effort to safeguard the election proceedings. Additionally, explosions targeted the state secretariat of the APC on election day, though authorities have not confirmed casualties.

The RSIEC remains committed to conducting the election as planned, operating under the directives of the Supreme Court and RSIEC Law, despite ongoing challenges. Reports state that electoral materials have been distributed to the necessary locations, and preparations continue unabated.