RIVERS COURT DISMISSES SUIT CHALLENGING AUGUST 30 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit 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 the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), who nominated the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) that conducted the poll.

President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Rivers State Administrator, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and RSIEC were all listed as defendants.

Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo struck out the case on two grounds lack of locus standi and lack of jurisdiction.

On locus standi, the judge ruled that the claimant failed to demonstrate any personal injury or hardship arising from the election, stressing that the interest he sought to protect was that of the state governor, not himself.

On jurisdiction, Justice Jumbo held that the Rivers State High Court lacked authority to entertain the matter, citing Section 1(1) of the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, which reserves such issues for the Supreme Court.

The court also noted that the August 30 election was lawful and valid, having been conducted by RSIEC in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Reacting after the judgment, claimant’s counsel, Godsent Elewa, said there were grounds for appeal, while maintaining that the judge’s comments on the validity of the election were “made by the way” and not directly tied to the case.

Counsel to the PDP, Monday Otokwala, welcomed the ruling, describing it as consistent with the law.