The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held on October 5. This decision was made public on Monday, along with the release of the election guidelines.

This announcement comes amidst ongoing leadership disputes in the local government councils, with police maintaining a presence at council secretariats due to the tension.

Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara recently appointed Caretaker Committees to manage the councils after the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors of the 23 local government areas expired. This move has been met with protests from outgoing chairmen loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. They argue that the Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly had extended their tenure by six months under the repealed Local Government Administration law.

RSIEC has held consultations with political party leaders and key stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming elections.