The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has fixed Friday, August 29, 2025, to decide whether the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) can proceed with the local government elections scheduled for August 30.
The case was brought before the court by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is challenging the legality of the newly constituted RSIEC Chairman and members. The party argued that the officials, appointed by the state’s Sole Administrator, lack the authority to revalidate the election timetable.
The ADC further contended that the time allotted for preparations was inadequate for meaningful participation by political parties.
At Monday’s proceedings, the court heard motions on jurisdiction, an interlocutory injunction to halt the elections, and an application for joinder filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Counsel to the PDP, former Rivers State Attorney General Zacchaeus Adango, maintained that the party should be joined in the matter. The application was opposed by ADC’s counsel, A. O. Imiete.
Ruling on the issue, presiding judge Justice Turaki Mohammed held that the PDP’s inclusion was necessary to ensure fair hearing and subsequently granted the motion.
The case was adjourned to August 29, 2025, with the court directing parties to exchange their processes within 48 hours.
