Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the local government (LG) elections scheduled for August 2025 will not hold as planned. The governor cited logistical challenges and the need for proper preparations as reasons for the postponement. However, his predecessor and political rival, Nyesom Wike, has criticized the decision, accusing Fubara of undermining democracy in the state.
The announcement has sparked a fresh wave of political tension in Rivers State, with stakeholders divided over the governor’s decision.
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Fubara’s Explanation
Governor Fubara, during a press briefing on Tuesday, stated that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is not yet ready to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. He emphasized the need for adequate preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the local government elections initially scheduled for August. The RSIEC requires more time to prepare and ensure that the elections meet the highest standards of transparency and fairness,” Fubara said.
He assured residents that a new date would be announced once all necessary arrangements are in place.
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Wike’s Reaction
Former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), criticized Fubara’s decision, describing it as an attempt to stifle democracy and consolidate power.
“Postponing the local government elections is a clear sign of incompetence and a lack of respect for democratic processes. The people of Rivers State deserve the right to choose their leaders at the grassroots level,” Wike said during a public event in Abuja.
Wike also accused Fubara of trying to extend the tenure of appointed caretaker committees, which he claimed are loyal to the governor.
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Stakeholders’ Reactions
The postponement has elicited mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents of Rivers State. While some have supported Fubara’s decision, others have echoed Wike’s concerns about the implications for democracy.
“The governor’s decision is understandable given the challenges faced by the electoral commission. However, it is crucial to ensure that the new date is announced promptly to avoid further delays,” said a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
On the other hand, opposition parties have accused the governor of using the postponement as a tactic to manipulate the electoral process in favor of his party.
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Implications for Rivers State
The postponement of the LG elections has raised concerns about governance at the grassroots level in Rivers State. With caretaker committees currently overseeing local government administrations, critics argue that the lack of elected officials undermines accountability and development.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Delaying elections denies residents the opportunity to have a say in who governs them,” said a civil rights activist.
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Governor Fubara’s decision to postpone the Rivers State local government elections has reignited political tensions in the state, with Nyesom Wike leading the criticism against the move. As the debate continues, the focus will be on ensuring that the electoral process is transparent, fair, and inclusive when a new date is eventually announced.
For now, the political landscape in Rivers remains tense, with stakeholders closely watching the unfolding developments.
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