The Student Judicial Council (SJC) of the Rivers State University Students’ Union Government (RSU SUG) has ordered the immediate suspension of all elections into the Departmental Presidents’ Forum (DPF) for the 2026 general elections.
The directive was contained in an official notice issued by the Judicial Council on May 1, 2026, following a petition challenging aspects of the Departmental Presidents’ Forum policy, particularly issues relating to the eligibility of contestants seeking elective positions within the forum.
According to the statement addressed to the Departmental Presidents’ Forum, the petition was referred to the Student Judicial Council by the Dean of Student Affairs for review and necessary action.
The Council stated that after taking cognizance of the issues raised in the petition, it became necessary to halt all electoral activities connected to the DPF elections pending the outcome of its review and investigation.
As part of the directives issued by the Judicial Council:
- All elections into positions within the Departmental Presidents’ Forum for the 2026 general elections have been suspended indefinitely.
- All electoral processes, activities, and steps relating to the conduct of the elections have been stayed.
- Individuals, committees, and bodies involved in the electoral process have been restrained from proceeding with any related activities until further notice.
The Judicial Council noted that the order will remain in force pending the final determination and investigation of the petition before the Council.
The statement emphasized that the directives were issued in the interest of justice, fairness, and due process, and called on all concerned parties to comply accordingly.
The notice was signed by the Chief Judge of the Student Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Adokiye Britney Richelieu, and the Registrar of the Council, Hon. Justice Obinna Sampson Kelechi.
The development is expected to temporarily halt preparations and political activities surrounding the Departmental Presidents’ Forum elections until the Judicial Council concludes its review.
