A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has thrown out a suit challenging the legality of the August 30, 2025 local government elections.
The case, filed by lawyer Williams Abayomi, questioned the authority of the state’s Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), to nominate the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which oversaw the polls.
Those listed as defendants included President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and RSIEC.
Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo dismissed the case on two grounds: lack of locus standi and lack of jurisdiction.
He held that Abayomi could not prove any personal harm or legal injury resulting from the election, adding that the interests being advanced were those of the governor and not the claimant.
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On jurisdiction, Justice Jumbo ruled that the Rivers State High Court lacked the authority to hear the matter, citing Section 1(1) of the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, which reserves such disputes for the Supreme Court.
He further noted that the election was conducted lawfully by RSIEC in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Speaking after the verdict, counsel to the claimant, Godsent Elewa, said his client would appeal the decision.
He argued that the judge’s remarks affirming the validity of the polls were “made by the way,” stressing they were outside the core issues raised.
Counsel to the PDP, Monday Otokwala, welcomed the ruling, describing it as consistent with both law and precedent.