The Supreme Court has nullified the local government election conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur ruled that the election was invalid due to substantial non-compliance with electoral guidelines. The court held that RSIEC’s decision to continue voter registration even after announcing the election date was a clear breach of the Electoral Act, rendering the entire process void.
According to the judgment, the commission failed to follow due process, including the proper conduct of pre-election activities such as voter registration, candidate screening, and adherence to the timeline stipulated by law. The court specifically referenced Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which mandates strict compliance with election procedures to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
“The action of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission is declared void for lack of substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and guidelines,” Justice Tukur ruled.
The ruling has significant political implications in Rivers State, as it raises questions about the legality of officials elected in the controversial process. It also reinforces the importance of strict adherence to electoral laws to maintain democratic integrity.
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to trigger further legal and political debates within the state, with stakeholders now looking to the next steps in resolving the local government administration in Rivers.
