On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared the Rivers State Local Government elections, held on October 5, 2024, as invalid. A five-member panel, led by Justice Jamilu Tukur, ruled that the conduct of the local government polls was null and void, setting aside a previous judgment by the Court of Appeal that had overturned a trial court’s ruling on jurisdictional grounds.
The Supreme Court’s decision restored the earlier ruling from the Federal High Court, which had previously restrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from proceeding with the elections. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had cited the necessity for an updated voter register before any elections could take place. The court mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release the updated voter register to facilitate the elections.
Additionally, the court prohibited security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, from providing security for voters during the elections. This ruling underscores the ongoing legal and electoral challenges within the state and highlights the importance of electoral integrity and compliance with judicial directives.
Further details regarding the implications of this ruling and its impact on local governance in Rivers State are expected to follow.
