The Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party has announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Elections scheduled for August 30, 2025.
In a press statement signed by Amb. Abednego Oli Benjamin, the party’s Rivers State Chairman, three key reasons were cited for the withdrawal.
According to the party, the notice period for the election is insufficient, falling short of the 90-day requirement stipulated by the Supreme Court in Section 150(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He stated that any election conducted with less than 90 days’ notice is considered void, emphasizing that with the election notice published on July 28, 2025, the current notice period stands at 34 days, which does not meet the constitutional requirement.
Benjamin reveal that the Party has initiated a Federal High Court suit challenging the constitutional validity of the emergency-rule sole-administrator regime in Rivers State, saying by participating in the election, the party would confer unintended legitimacy on a regime whose legality is under judicial review.
He added that the legal challenge is crucial to the party’s decision, as it questions the very foundation of the current governance structure in Rivers State.
Also, given the binding Supreme Court authority and the manifestly insufficient notice period, Benjamin noted that BOOT Party cannot in good faith participate in the elections.
He said: “The BOOT Party announces its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Elections scheduled for August 30, 2025. This decision is based on three key reasons:
– “Insufficient Notice Period: The Supreme Court has ruled that any election conducted with less than 90 days’ notice is void, as per Section 150(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The current notice period of 34 days, following the publication of the election notice on July 28, 2025, falls short of this constitutional requirement. – “Pending Legal Challenge: The BOOT Party has initiated a Federal High Court suit challenging the constitutional validity of the emergency-rule sole-administrator regime in Rivers State. Participating in the election would confer unintended legitimacy on a regime whose legality is under judicial review. – “Adherence to Supreme Court Authority: Given the binding Supreme Court authority and the manifestly insufficient notice period, the BOOT Party cannot in good faith participate in the elections. “In light of these reasons, the BOOT Party respectfully withdraws from the August 30, 2025, Local Government elections.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had announced the postponement of the local government elections from August 9 to August 30, citing the declaration of Emergency rule, and the need to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The commission’s chairman, Michael Odey, assured that the revised timetable would facilitate a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
