The revised date set by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the upcoming local government elections has sparked a mix of reactions among political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.

The new RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, announced the elections will now be held on August 30, 2025, shifting from the initial date of August 9 earlier scheduled by his predecessor, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.).

While some political parties have welcomed the change, several civic groups, including the South-South Youths Initiative and the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), have rejected the new schedule and called for its suspension.

In a statement from Port Harcourt, the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State expressed readiness for the polls, describing the new leadership of RSIEC as more inclusive.

“I was formally invited to the stakeholders’ meeting where the new date was agreed upon, unlike under the previous leadership,” Okocha said. “This time, things have been done properly, and that’s why there has been no major backlash.”

Similarly, Aaron Chukwuemeka, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, confirmed his party’s preparedness, expressing satisfaction with the rationale behind the date adjustment.

“Given the circumstances surrounding the change, we are comfortable with the August 30 date and ready to participate,” Chukwuemeka stated.

Also aligning with the revised schedule, Favour Reuben, Labour Party’s South-South National Vice Chairman, praised RSIEC’s decision. Reuben explained that the change was simply a continuation of an already established process.

“We support the extension. Some parties may complain, but the Labour Party is prepared to fully engage in the elections,” he said.

Dr. Ukachukwu Achira, Chairman of the Youth Party in Rivers State, also confirmed their participation. He commended the leadership of the new RSIEC boss and called for a fair playing ground for all candidates and parties.

“We believe the chairman has taken the right steps, and our party is ready,” Achira noted. “We expect a fair and credible election.”

However, not all voices are in support of the new timetable.

Oscar Imiabe, National President of the South-South Youths Initiative, urged the electoral commission to postpone the election until the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is reinstated.

Imiabe argued that Fubara, as the elected governor, should be the one overseeing the election, not State Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, whom he claimed was imposed on the state.

“If the President truly prioritizes peace and stability in Rivers, he should reinstate Governor Fubara before the election is held,” Imiabe stated. “Otherwise, this exercise will likely trigger litigation from multiple parties.”

He also criticized the short notice given for the polls, saying the one-month window violates standard electoral practices and does not allow for adequate campaigning or voter awareness.

“My grandmother in the village doesn’t even know an election is happening,” he added, stressing that many parties have not started campaigning due to the rushed process.

Echoing similar concerns, the Civil Liberties Organisation called for the immediate suspension of the elections. The group described the newly reconstituted RSIEC board as unconstitutional and its election timetable as a breach of the Electoral Act, which mandates a minimum of 90 days’ notice prior to any election.

Emmanuel Obe, CLO spokesperson in Rivers State, released a statement criticizing the process as unlawful and an apparent waste of public funds.

He insisted that the previous RSIEC, under Justice Enebeli, was legally constituted before Governor Fubara’s suspension and had set a valid date. According to the CLO, the current RSIEC lacks the legitimacy to organize or alter election dates.