By Abigail Philip David
The Supreme Court has declared the Rivers State Local Government elections, held on October 5, 2024, invalid.
In a ruling delivered on Friday by Justice Jamilu Tukur, a five-member panel of the apex court nullified the elections, overturning the decision of the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court reinstated the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, which had ruled against the conduct of the polls.
Previously, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission from proceeding with the elections, citing the need for an updated voter register. The court had also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide the updated register before any election could take place.
Furthermore, the trial court prohibited security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, from providing security for the elections.
