IPAC rejects Rivers council elections, calling them illegal amid emergency rule. The group warns the polls undermine Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional integrity
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rejected the Rivers State Local Government elections scheduled for August 30, 2025, labeling the move illegal and unconstitutional.
Also read: House Approves Rivers State 2025 Budget amid Emergency Rule
In a strongly worded letter to the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), IPAC’s national chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and national secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem, expressed their concern over what they called a blatant disregard for Nigeria’s democratic norms.
Citing the ongoing state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, IPAC argued that no democratic election can legitimately occur while elected institutions in the state remain suspended. Only the judiciary remains operational, according to the emergency decree.
“This is a caricature of constitutional democracy,” the letter stated.
IPAC emphasized that RSIEC lacks legal authority to conduct elections during this period, given that its current composition was not confirmed by a democratic legislature.
IPAC, which represents all registered political parties in Nigeria, also copied the letter to top national figures, including the President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, INEC Chairman, DSS Director General, and the Inspector-General of Police.
The council insisted that the sole administrator, appointed to manage the crisis, has no constitutional right to organize democratic elections, a process that could further inflame tensions in the politically fragile state.
Also read: Wike, Amaechi Wife Scandal Sparks Emotional APC Outrage in Rivers
IPAC concluded by vehemently condemning the planned elections and called for the immediate restoration of democratic institutions before any electoral process can be considered.
