By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
With the conclusion of the 180-day emergency rule imposed by Federal Government of Nigeria in Rivers State, following what was perceived as a political standoff between Wike and his political protégé, Fubara, the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, is set to officially return to office.
The emergency declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, was aimed at restoring law and order amid rising political tensions in the oil-rich state.
During the emergency period, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) was mandated to organize local government elections within a tight 30-day timeframe, a task civil society organizations (CSOs) described as “herculean.”
Now, with elections successfully concluded, a coalition of over 30 CSOs, led by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has presented a comprehensive report of the polls, calling them a major democratic milestone and a crucial indicator ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, in Abuja, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel Chibuzor, Chairman of the CCLCA and National Coordinator of the CSO coalition, described the August 30 local government elections as unprecedented in both execution and outcome.
“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that a state-wide election of this magnitude, across 4,442 polling units, 319 wards, and 23 local government areas, has been successfully conducted within just one month of preparation,” Chibuzor said.
According to him, over 830 trained election observers were deployed across the state. Their findings, he noted, painted a picture of a largely peaceful, well-organized, and credible electoral exercise.
The report noted a remarkable shift in campaign rhetoric, with major political parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), engaging in issue-based campaigns rather than personal attacks.
“Campaigns were civil and focused on policy promises,” the CSO leader said. “There was no pre-election violence or tension, which allowed citizens to carry on with their normal lives without fear.”
Observers also reported flawless logistics, including the timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, even to riverine and hard-to-reach areas.
On Election Day, voting began promptly in most polling units, with electoral officials, security personnel, and voters present as early as 8:00 a.m.
Contrary to early media reports of voter apathy, especially in commercial districts like Rumola, the coalition said turnout improved significantly by midday. “Commercial areas aren’t residential, so initial low turnout was misinterpreted,” Chibuzor clarified.
A particularly noteworthy observation was the complete absence of vote buying, thuggery, or ballot box snatching, issues that have long plagued Nigerian elections.
“This is the first time in recent memory that we’ve recorded zero incidents of electoral malpractice across an entire state,” he said, hailing the professionalism of security personnel and the conduct of the RSIEC.
However, the PDP, despite being the ruling party in the state, won just three of the 23 chairmanship seats, while the APC secured 16, with the remaining seats going to other candidates.
“This outcome clearly reflects the will of the people,” the coalition noted. “It’s a powerful demonstration of democracy at work and a significant credibility test passed by the electoral system in Rivers State.”
In another first, the RSIEC was praised for ensuring full and timely payment of ad-hoc staff, including presiding and assistant presiding officers.
“In the past, non-payment or half-payments often led to protests and road blockades. But this time, every single ad-hoc staffer has been paid in full within one week,” Dr. Chibuzor said.
The CSO coalition concluded by urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take lessons from the Rivers State experience.
“The Rivers LG elections have set a benchmark. If this can happen within 30 days under emergency rule, then there’s no excuse come 2027. This was a litmus test and a successful one.”
