Table of Contents
- Lawsuit Against President Bola Tinubu
- Court Action Details
- Key Issues in the Case
- Court Hearing Date
- Potential Impact on Presidential Powers
President Bola Tinubu has been taken to the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt regarding the disputed local government elections in Rivers State that took place on August 30, 2025.
In a lawsuit submitted on September 11, 2025 (No. FHC/PH/CS/173/2025), attorney Clifford Nnanta Chuku is requesting the court to invalidate the elections and declare the Emergency Powers Regulation introduced by Tinubu for the elections as unconstitutional.
Chuku contends that the regulation, which suspended certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the electoral laws of Rivers State, infringed upon the constitution and jeopardized democratic principles.
He argues that the President’s action to suspend portions of the law for the Rivers elections was unconstitutional and constituted an overreach of authority.
The lawsuit names Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as defendants.
The central questions the court will address include whether the regulation unlawfully limited the democratic rights of the residents of Rivers and whether the notice issued by RSIEC for the election adhered to the necessary legal timelines.
Chuku is seeking a court ruling to annul the regulation, invalidate the elections held on August 30, and mandate RSIEC to conduct new elections that fully comply with the Electoral Act.
The Federal High Court has scheduled the hearing for October 21, 2025.
Legal experts suggest that this case could define the future boundaries of presidential powers in electoral matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of the lawsuit against President Tinubu?
The lawsuit is based on the claim that the Emergency Powers Regulation introduced by President Tinubu for the Rivers State local government elections was unconstitutional and violated democratic principles.
When is the court hearing scheduled?
The Federal High Court has scheduled the hearing for October 21, 2025.
Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
The defendants in the lawsuit include President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
