The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to nullify the August 30, 2025 local government election in the state.

The suit, filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer Williams Abayomi, questioned the legality of the appointment of Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), who nominated the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) that conducted the polls.

Those listed as defendants included President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Rivers State Administrator, the PDP, and RSIEC.

Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo struck out the case on two key grounds:

Lack of locus standi – the court held that the claimant failed to prove any personal injury or hardship from the election, stressing that the interest he sought to protect was that of the state governor, not his own.

Lack of jurisdiction – citing Section 1(1) of the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, the judge ruled that only the Supreme Court has the authority to entertain such matters.

Justice Jumbo further noted that the August 30 election was lawful and valid, having been conducted by RSIEC in line with constitutional provisions.

Reacting to the ruling, claimant’s counsel, Godsent Elewa, said there were sufficient grounds for an appeal, arguing that the judge’s comments on the validity of the election were incidental.

Meanwhile, counsel to the PDP, Monday Otokwala, welcomed the decision, describing it as consistent with the law.