RSIEC commissioners resign amid political uncertainty in Rivers State

Two serving commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have reportedly resigned from their positions, citing political developments and the recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the 2024 local government elections in the state.

The affected officials, Professor Simeon Emenike Weli, Commissioner in charge of Political Parties/Monitoring, and Dr. Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah, Commissioner in charge of Budget/Research and Statistics, formally announced their resignation in separate letters addressed to RSIEC Chairman, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, and the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

In their resignation letters, the commissioners pointed to the current situation within RSIEC and the implications of the recent Supreme Court verdict, which nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024. They cited these issues as compelling reasons for their decision to step down.

Although the letters did not explicitly detail the internal challenges within RSIEC, the commissioners referenced ongoing developments that made it difficult for them to continue in their roles.

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Despite their resignation, both officials expressed their gratitude to RSIEC for the opportunity to contribute to the electoral process and the overall growth and development of Rivers State.

Their resignation comes barely a week after RSIEC announced August 9, 2025, as the new date for local government elections in Rivers State. This decision followed the Supreme Court’s annulment of the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by RSIEC.

The Supreme Court ruled that the previous election was invalid, a decision that has since sparked intense political discussions and realignments within the state’s political and electoral structures.

The sudden resignation of two key officials within RSIEC has fueled speculations about internal disagreements within the commission and broader political tensions in Rivers State. Analysts believe their exit could signal deeper issues within the state’s electoral body, particularly in the wake of the legal and political battles surrounding the annulled elections.

Observers say the credibility of the upcoming August 2025 local government elections may come under scrutiny, as political stakeholders question whether RSIEC can conduct a free and fair poll amid ongoing instability.

As the situation unfolds, political parties, civil society organizations, and election observers will be closely watching how RSIEC navigates this period of uncertainty while preparing for the rescheduled elections.