Legal Battle Brews Over Rivers LG Poll
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — A fresh legal battle is unfolding in Rivers State over the controversial conduct of the recent Local Government (LG) primaries, raising tension across political camps ahead of the general council elections scheduled for later this year.
The dispute stems from allegations of irregularities, exclusion, and imposition of candidates in both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Several aspirants who were disqualified or denied participation have dragged the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), along with party leadership, to court.
At the center of the storm is the accusation that the primaries were stage-managed to favour loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Critics say the process was neither transparent nor inclusive.
One aggrieved aspirant from the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr. Tamuno Peterside (PDP), described the primaries as a “mockery of democracy,” insisting that he was screened out unjustly after being cleared by the party’s ward committee.
“This is nothing but a political coup. We were not allowed to stand before the delegates,” Peterside told reporters.
Similarly, in the APC, members aligned with the Tony Okocha-led faction have filed suits challenging the legality of the process, accusing the party leadership of sidelining grassroots voices.
Legal representatives for the faction say they are seeking a court injunction to nullify the list of candidates submitted by the state chapter of the APC.
Civil society groups and election observers have also weighed in. The Rivers State Civil Rights Coalition described the process as “deeply flawed” and urged RSIEC to publish the full voter register and guidelines used for candidate screening.
“Without transparency, the upcoming election cannot be considered credible,” said spokesperson Angela Nduka.
RSIEC, however, maintains that it followed due process in accepting party submissions, noting that it only acts based on candidates duly presented by political parties. “Our job is to conduct elections, not to resolve intra-party disputes,” a spokesperson said.
Legal experts warn that unless the courts provide clear rulings before the election date, the situation may trigger a wave of litigation that could stall or invalidate results in some councils. The Rivers State High Court is expected to begin hearing some of the consolidated cases by mid-August.
As the political storm intensifies, analysts say the legal wrangling is likely to deepen factional divides within the major parties and test the strength of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
More details to follow as the story develops.
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