Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a significant ruling, the High Court of Rivers State has directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct the forthcoming local government elections using the 2023 voters’ register. This judgment, delivered by Justice I. Igwe of High Court number 14, followed a suit filed by the Action People’s Party (APP) challenging the conduct of the elections.
The case, instituted against RSIEC, the Rivers State Government, and the Governor of Rivers State, sought clarity and adherence to electoral laws. The APP argued that the most recent voters’ register, which was compiled and updated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023, should be used for the local elections to ensure transparency and fairness.
Justice Igwe, in his ruling, upheld the APP’s arguments and ordered RSIEC to strictly adhere to the 2023 voters’ register. The court emphasized that conducting the elections with an outdated register would undermine the credibility of the process, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.
In addition to the directive on the voters’ register, the court also mandated the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide adequate security during the election. Justice Igwe highlighted the importance of a peaceful and orderly process, underscoring the role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and safeguarding the integrity of the elections.
The Rivers State Government and RSIEC are expected to comply with the court’s orders as preparations for the local government elections continue.
