In a major development ahead of the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State, the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu in response to a lawsuit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the legality of the upcoming elections.
In addition to restraining INEC from releasing the voters’ register, the court also prohibited the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security support for the election. Justice Lifu emphasized that RSIEC’s decision to schedule the local government polls was unlawful, citing the commission’s failure to comply with the required legal protocols, including the mandatory 90-day notice period.
The ruling casts uncertainty on the upcoming election and highlights the importance of adhering to legal procedures in organizing electoral processes. It remains to be seen how RSIEC and other stakeholders will respond to the court’s decision as the election date approaches.