- Rivers High Court struck out suit challenging August 30 council election.
- Judge ruled claimant lacked locus standi and court had no jurisdiction.
- PDP welcomed verdict, claimant’s lawyer vowed to appeal decision.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit challenging the legality of the August 30, 2025, local government election in the state.
The case was filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Williams Abayomi, who questioned the appointment of the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for nominating the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which conducted the election.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- How Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account Has Depleted Over Time
- 2027: Why Jonathan Cannot Defeat Tinubu – Lagos APC
- Over 8,600 Domestic, S3xual Violence Cases Reported in Lagos in One Year
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the defendants listed in the suit included 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 matter on two main grounds: lack of locus standi and lack of jurisdiction. The court held that Abayomi failed to establish any personal injury or hardship arising from the conduct of the election, adding that the interest he sought to protect was that of the state governor, not his.
On the issue of jurisdiction, the judge ruled that the Rivers State High Court lacked the authority to entertain the case. He cited Section 1(1) of the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, which reserves disputes of such nature exclusively for the Supreme Court.
Justice Jumbo further declared that the August 30 election was lawful and valid, having been conducted by RSIEC in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Godsent Elewa, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that there were grounds for appeal. He criticized the judge’s remarks on the validity of the election, describing them as comments “by the way” and not directly tied to the case.
However, counsel to the PDP, Monday Otokwala, welcomed the verdict, noting that it aligned with the law and reinforced the credibility of the election outcome.
FURTHER READING
- UNICEF Urges Bigger Budget for Children’s Welfare, Development
- World Cup Qualifier: Eagles Seek Victory To Keep Hopes Alive
- Paraguay Ends 16-Year Wait, Qualifies For 2026 World Cup
