The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), the umbrella body of all registered political parties in the country, has formally rejected the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area and Councillorship Elections scheduled for August 30, 2025, citing constitutional violations and the ongoing state of emergency in the state.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), IPAC described the planned elections as “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” warning that proceeding with the polls under the current political climate would undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The letter, jointly signed by IPAC’s National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf M. Dantalle, and National Secretary, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, highlighted that President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending all democratically elected institutions in the state except the judiciary.
“It is common knowledge that His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR…proclaimed a State of Emergency in Rivers State… suspending all democratically elected institutions,” the letter read. “The process of conducting the Rivers State Council Elections during this period of emergency rule… is to make caricature of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and its institutions.”
IPAC further contended that the Rivers State Electoral Commission, as currently constituted, lacked the legitimate authority to organise any election. According to the Council, only a democratically elected governor, can appoint members of the State Electoral Commission and confirmed by the State House of Assembly, a process currently impossible under emergency rule.
Expressing deep dismay, IPAC called on all political parties and “lovers of democracy” to boycott the scheduled elections. The council warned that any attempt to continue with the electoral process could escalate the political crisis the emergency rule sought to quell.
“This illegitimate exercise threatens our democratic norms and rule of law,” the statement emphasized. “IPAC hereby directs all political parties to desist from participating in the Rivers State Council election slated to hold on 30th August, 2025.”
IPAC also stated that it will explore other “legitimate means” to challenge the Rivers State Electoral Commission’s actions if the body fails to heed its warning.
The letter was copied to top government officials and institutions, including President Tinubu, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
