The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken legal action against Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, challenging his appointment of members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) board and the release of a revised election timetable.
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The case, marked PHC/3126/CS/2025, was filed at the Rivers State High Court, Port Harcourt Division. Those listed as defendants are Ibas, the Rivers State Government, the Attorney-General of the state, and RSIEC.
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The ADC, through its legal team G.C. Chinda & Co, is asking the court to rule on whether Ibas, who is not an elected governor, has the constitutional authority to nominate and appoint RSIEC board members. The party argues that this power is reserved for the executive governor under the 1999 Constitution and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018.
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The party is also seeking to nullify the revised election timetable released on July 28, 2025, by the newly appointed RSIEC board. It claims the timetable violates provisions of the RSIEC Law and undermines the legality of the electoral process.
In its suit, the ADC wants the court to declare the appointments made on May 9, 2025, unlawful and to set aside all actions carried out by the commission’s new board, including preparations for the local government elections.
The party further seeks an order of perpetual injunction restraining Ibas and other defendants from interfering with the constitutional duties of an elected governor concerning RSIEC appointments. It also requests that the court compel the defendants to pay ₦10 million in damages for what it describes as unlawful actions.
The court is yet to fix a date for hearing the case.
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