Political Parties Intensify Campaigns For Rivers LG Polls Amid Lawsuits

Political parties participating in this Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, have intensified campaigns, regardless of the multiple suits against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas over the exercise.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy as well as five indigenes of the state filed separate suits at the Federal High Court, challenging the powers of the RSIEC board, constituted under a sole administrator to organise an election.

It was further learnt that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is fielding chairmanship candidates for only three local government areas; Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding chairmanship candidates in the remaining 20 LGAs in the state.

Our correspondent also observed that almost all the political parties participating in the local government election have concluded their campaign rallies in the various wards.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers state command, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced restriction of movement from 12:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Adepoju disclosed this while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on preparations ahead of the local government election.

“For those on election and essential duty we will give them a pass. Those involved in the election security and monitoring, will be given tag,” he said.

The police boss appealed to people of the state to abide by the restriction and conduct themselves properly before, during and after the election.

Adepoju, who assured voters of their safety ahead of the election, said adequate deployment of manpower has been made.

He said: ”We have gone to LGAs to sensitise people. We have deployed adequate security, manpower to ensure people come out to vote and the election is free, fair, credible. Police as lead agency will lead. All areas have been fortified. We are warning those who want to cause trouble to refrain.”

The commissioner disclosed that prior to the planned election, the command has been raiding black spots and making arrests of criminal elements to ensure the state is safe.

Adepoju revealed that the security personnel for the election are solely military and the Police,vigilantes are not involved.

He stated that there is enough manpower deployment from all security agencies and a joint security situation room that people can call the hotline to give information.

“All necessary Government agencies, other sister agencies will participate. We have enough manpower, there will not be issues, if there are issues we will contain it,” Adepoju said