The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has cast doubt on the possibility of local government elections holding in Rivers State as scheduled for August 27, 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike criticized the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd.), accusing him of avoiding accountability by seeking legal protection instead of responding to a summons from the State Assembly.
Wike, who appointed Enebeli as RSIEC chairman, described him as lacking integrity and being driven by personal interests.
“The Assembly summoned the Chairman of RSIEC, who is one of the most corrupt individuals I have ever encountered. Instead of appearing before the Assembly, he ran to the state High Court because the Chief Judge is his ally. But this won’t end the matter,” Wike said.
Drawing a comparison to national politics, Wike questioned whether the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could defy a National Assembly summons in a similar manner.
He declared that the scheduled local government elections would not take place.
“Let me make it clear: the August 27 local government elections will not happen. It will not stand,” he insisted.
Wike further alleged that Enebeli was more concerned with financial gains than upholding due process.
“Did he even read the judgment? I know him well—I appointed him. These are individuals lacking in character, and I take full responsibility,” he added.
With political tensions already high in Rivers State, Wike’s remarks have further cast uncertainty over the fate of the local government elections.
