A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit seeking to nullify the August 30, 2025 local government election in the state.
The suit, filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Williams Abayomi, challenged the legality of the appointment of the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who nominated the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) that conducted the poll.
Listed as defendants in the suit were President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Rivers State Administrator, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and RSIEC.
Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo struck out the case on two key grounds—lack of locus standi and lack of jurisdiction.
On locus standi, the court held that the claimant failed to show any personal injury or hardship that would arise from the conduct of the election. According to Justice Jumbo, the interest Abayomi sought to protect belonged to the state governor and not himself.
On jurisdiction, the court 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 vests such disputes solely in the Supreme Court.
Naija News reports that Justice Jumbo further observed that the August 30 election was “lawful and valid,” having been conducted by RSIEC in line with the constitution.
Reacting to the judgment, claimant’s counsel, Godsent Elewa, said there were grounds upon which his client would appeal the decision.
He faulted the judge’s additional comments on the validity of the election, insisting they were “made by the way” and unrelated to the subject matter.
Counsel to the PDP, Monday Otokwala, welcomed the ruling, describing it as consistent with the law and a validation of the election outcome.
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