In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has declared the local government elections held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024, null and void. The decision, delivered on February 28, 2025, invalidates the polls conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), citing significant breaches of the Electoral Act.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, in his judgment, emphasized that the election failed to adhere to legal standards. He pointed to the RSIEC’s unlawful continuation of voter registration after the election date was announced as a key violation. "The processes were fundamentally flawed," Justice Tukur stated, referencing Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which outlines strict guidelines for electoral conduct.
The court’s ruling deems the entire election legally ineffective, raising immediate concerns about the future of local governance in Rivers State. With the polls now voided, attention turns to what steps state authorities will take to address the leadership vacuum at the local level.
This decision marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, underscoring the judiciary’s role in upholding legal standards. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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