The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has cast doubt on the likelihood of local government elections holding in Rivers State as scheduled in August 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing with selected journalists 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’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions between himself and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Expressing his disappointment, Wike described Enebeli whom he appointed as RSIEC chairman 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. He knows who I am, so let him challenge me,” Wike said.
“Instead of appearing before the Assembly, he went to the state High Court because the Chief Judge is his ally, but this won’t conclude the matter.”
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 fashion.
Wike categorically stated that the planned local government elections on August 27, 2025, would not take place.
“Now let me explain why the August 27 local government elections will not occur. It will not stand,” he declared.
He further alleged that Enebeli is more concerned with personal financial gains than upholding due process.
“Did he even read the judgment? I know him well, as I appointed him. These are individuals lacking in character. Yes, you can hold me accountable; I take full responsibility,” Wike concluded.
With Rivers State already embroiled in political turmoil, Wike’s latest comments are likely to further deepen the crisis, leaving the fate of the local government elections uncertain.
