Rivers APC Blasts Election Date, Calls August 30 LG Polls Unacceptable

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised the decision of the state’s electoral body to proceed with local government elections on August 30, warning that the move could disenfranchise eligible voters and run afoul of a Supreme Court ruling, according to IReporter Online.

APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju urged the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to postpone the polls until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) completes its ongoing continuous voter registration in the state.

He argued this would align with the apex court’s February judgment mandating the use of updated voter registers, stressing that holding the election now would alienate new voters who have just reached voting age, according to IReporter Online.

The APC’s stance adds to mounting opposition from civil society groups, prominent politicians, and an active court case challenging the polls.

Critics have questioned the legitimacy of both RSIEC and the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to conduct the elections under the current emergency rule.

However, RSIEC remains resolute, insisting that the March voter register is valid and that candidate screening is already underway. Officials maintain the timetable complies with the RSIEC Act and cannot be altered again.

The Sole Administrator, through his media aide, also defended RSIEC’s mandate, citing the National Assembly’s legislative authority under emergency rule as the legal foundation for the election process, according to IReporter Online.