Can Rivers Hold LG Election Under Emergency Rule?

Vice Admiral Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, is constitutionally empowered to conduct local government elections under emergency rule, despite the suspension of democratic institutions. This raises legal questions and concerns about democracy in the state.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to pipeline vandalism and militant activities, leading to the postponement of the scheduled August 30, 2025, local government elections. Various stakeholders, including the Civil Liberties Organisation and Rivers Civil Society Organisation, have criticized the decision to hold elections under emergency rule, citing constitutional violations and lack of legitimacy.

The Rivers State Government, RSIEC, and other parties are facing legal challenges in court over the legality of conducting elections during a state of emergency. The situation has sparked calls for a boycott of the planned elections and raised concerns about disenfranchisement and breaching of Supreme Court rulings.