The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has approved the participation of 16 political parties in the upcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections, in which the camp aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike appears dominant.

The clearance by RSIEC opens the race to a wide field of contenders from diverse political groups. This move follows escalating tensions and legal wrangling over the election timetable and the commission’s new leadership. RSIEC—now led by Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey—recently scheduled the elections for August 30, 2025, a date that has drawn heavy criticism for insufficient notice beyond the legally mandated 90 days. Civil society groups and stakeholders have described the process as illegitimate. 

Observers highlight that Wike’s faction has strategically positioned itself through internal party primaries. Allies within both the APC and PDP are reportedly securing key tickets ahead of the elections. Experts suggest this reflects ongoing political consolidation by Wike’s camp in the state's power structure. 

Critics—including IPAC and other civil liberties groups—have raised alarms about the process’s legality. They argue that RSIEC’s decisions, particularly during the state of emergency, lack constitutional legitimacy and threaten democratic norms in Rivers State. 

As the elections near, attention is sharply focused on the eligible parties, campaign preparations, and whether legal challenges will emerge to contest the process. The outcome will likely shape political control at the grassroots level and influence power dynamics between state-level actors.