Nigeria News Digest: September 2, 2025

RSIEC advised parties affected by the recent Rivers State local government elections to seek court remedies if they had complaints. The Labour Party called for electoral and judicial reforms, accusing the APC‑led administration of corrupt practices. RSIEC chair Michael Odey stressed that the law offers a channel for lawful, peaceful redress.

APC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze alleged the Rivers local government elections were a sham, claiming no voters turned up and that result sheets had been stolen and fabricated. He called the process "cooked‑up trash" and urged the public to ignore the fabricated results.

Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas inaugurated 23 newly elected local government chairmen, praising the peaceful elections and aligning them with President Tinubu’s emergency declaration. He urged the chairmen to study constitutional and local laws, prioritize small‑business support, infrastructure, and education, and cooperate with biometric enrolment.

Ahead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement on 18 September, the Rivers State APC announced its willingness to collaborate with him. Chief Tony Okocha noted the party had focused on competitive strongholds and pledged to hold the governor accountable after his suspension following the 18 March emergency declaration.

INEC reported that 2,532,062 Nigerians completed online pre‑registration for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise within two weeks, with detailed data released by state, gender, age, occupation and disability. Registrants are still required to verify the process in person at INEC centers.

ADC gubernatorial candidate John Nwosu declared he will not step down for any rival in the upcoming Anambra election, rejecting a visit from Labour Party candidate George Moghalu that aimed to negotiate. The contest features Nwosu, Moghalu, incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and other contenders.

Former Abia House of Assembly deputy speaker Ngozi Ulunwa, together with ex‑secretary to the state government Ralph Egbu, mobilised local leaders in Ukwa West to join the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Alex Otti welcomed their support and urged more leaders to join to help rebuild the state.

INEC in Lagos rejected allegations from the ADC that the Continuous Voter Registration figures had been manipulated. Head of Voter Education Taiwo Gbadegesin said the numbers matched past trends and reflected demographic realities, citing effective public awareness campaigns. The commission called the claims unfounded.

A Federal High Court in Yenagoa ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2023 presidential election, stating that his prior terms do not disqualify him under Section 137 of the Constitution. The court affirmed that he had only served once, in 2011.