Political parties in Nigeria’s Rivers State have pledged to prioritize peaceful elections ahead of local government council polls scheduled for August 30, 2025, following the signing of a formal Peace Accord. The agreement, facilitated by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), aims to ensure stability during the electoral process amid concerns over past tensions often linked to political contests in the region.
At a ceremony attended by security officials and party representatives, RSIEC Chairman Michael Odey described the accord as a critical commitment by candidates and stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and reject violence. “Elections should not be a declaration of war, but a contest of ideas and service,” he stated, underscoring the commission’s readiness to deliver credible elections through adequate logistics and personnel. Odey stressed, however, that success ultimately hinges on cooperation from political actors and their supporters, calling for an end to hate speech, property destruction, and actions undermining public order.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, echoed the need for restraint, urging candidates to rein in supporters and vowing that security forces would protect voters’ rights. “Rivers has been calm, and we intend to keep it that way,” Adepoju said, referencing collaborative efforts among security agencies operating under a state of emergency. He emphasized that measures were in place to safeguard polling stations, though he did not specify the nature of the emergency declaration.
While the event saw participation from heads of security agencies, only five of the state’s 18 registered political parties signed the accord. Attendees included the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Tony Okocha, and the Young Party (YP). The absence of 13 parties raises questions about the breadth of compliance, though RSIEC officials did not comment on potential repercussions for non-participants.
The Peace Accord aligns with broader efforts to curb electoral violence in Nigeria, where local polls have historically faced challenges including voter intimidation and clashes. Rivers State, a key economic hub, has experienced heightened political rivalries in recent years, making the upcoming elections a test of institutional safeguards against instability. As campaigns begin, observers will monitor adherence to the agreement, particularly how parties balance competition with the accord’s call for nonviolence.
