The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially announced Thursday, August 28, 2025, as the new date for local government council elections across all local government areas in the state. This was made public through a revised timetable released by the commission, which outlines the entire electoral process leading up to and following the election.
The electoral process began on Monday, July 28, 2025, with a stakeholder meeting and the formal announcement of the rescheduled election date. The meeting served as a platform for RSIEC to communicate the updated timetable and expectations to political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and other election stakeholders.
According to the newly published schedule, political parties were invited to express interest in participating in the election from July 28 to July 30. The conduct of party primaries was scheduled for July 31 and August 1. This was followed by the submission of the names of nominated candidates between August 2 and August 4.
Following the submission of names, RSIEC issued nomination forms to candidates on August 5 and August 6. Candidates were required to return their completed forms by August 7. The commission then carried out the validation of all nomination papers from August 8 to August 9.
Official campaign activities are set to begin on Monday, August 11, 2025, allowing political parties and candidates just over two weeks to engage with voters and present their platforms before the polls. The final list of eligible candidates will be published on Saturday, August 23, 2025, just five days before Election Day.
Election Day itself is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025. On that day, voters across Rivers State will elect chairpersons and councillors to lead their local government councils for the next term.
RSIEC also outlined contingency plans in the event of inconclusive results or a lack of nominated candidates in any ward. A run-off for the chairmanship elections, if necessary, will be conducted on Saturday, September 6, 2025. That date will also be used to hold elections in wards where no candidates were initially nominated or where polls were postponed. If a second run-off becomes necessary, it will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
The commission emphasized that all steps in the revised timetable are in accordance with the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, as amended. It called on all political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
RSIEC urged political actors to conduct their campaigns in line with the law and avoid inciting violence or disrupting public order. The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness throughout the election process.
The local government election is expected to be a significant event in Rivers State’s political calendar, given its importance in determining grassroots leadership and administration. With political activity intensifying in the run-up to August 28, observers and civil society groups are closely monitoring the process to ensure it meets democratic standards.
Security agencies, electoral observers, and community leaders have also been encouraged to collaborate with RSIEC to support a safe environment for both voters and candidates. The commission has stated that further details regarding voter logistics, polling unit arrangements, and election monitoring will be released in the coming days.
