… Says Decision in Compliance with Electoral Act, Supreme Court, Request From RISIEC
… As Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, HURIWA Commend Electoral Body, Say Action Key to Credible Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has released voters register for August 9th Rivers State LGA elections.
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission had in a letter dated March 3rd, signed by its Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner and addressed to INEC chairman requested for voters register and list of political parties.
The letter titled, “NOTIFICATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS AND REQUEST FOR REGISTER OF VOTERS AND LIST OF POLITICAL PARTIES RE: SECTION 9 (1) (a) and SECTION 15 OF THE ELECTORAL ACT 2022. We write to inform you that following the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has concluded plans to stage a fresh Local Government Council Election in Rivers State. The proposed date is Saturday, 9th August, 2025 about 159 days from today, informed by Section 150 of the Electoral Act. We therefore hereby request for the release of the current voters register together with the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria, pursuant to Section 9(1)(a) and Section 15 of the Electoral Act 2022. Please accept the renewed assurances of our highest regards.”
In response, INEC in a letter dated 13th March, signed by Rose Oriaran, Secretary to the commission, acknowledged risiec request, directing them to liaise with the Commission’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties In Nigeria.
The letter read in part, “The Chairman Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. ; RE: . NOTIFICATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS AND REQUEST FOR. REGISTER OF VOTERS AND LIST OF POLITICAL PARTIES. This Is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd March 2025 requesting the release of the current Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria for. the conduct of the Local Government Council Election slated for Saturday, 9th August 2025 in Rivers State. The Commission has considered and approved your request. You may please liaise with the Commission’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties In Nigeria.”
Meanwhile the Electoral Body has received commendation from Nigeria’s Opposition lawmakers coalition and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) for timely release of voters register, as they said that action is key to credible polls.
The opposition lawmakers and the rights group in separate statements said with this, all is set for smooth conduct of the LGA election.
The lawmakers in a statement by its spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere said, “With only 159 days remaining before the conduct of fresh local government elections in Rivers State, it is going to be ‘make or break’ year,” that why I urge the Electoral body to take key decisions and actions to pave the way for holding peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.”
“Simply holding elections is not enough – the credibility, transparency and inclusivity of the process is what brings legitimacy. This includes that political parties must be able to campaign freely; a civil society that will serve as extended arms for civic education and act as observer watchdog of the process. It includes media that can report on the process without fear. I commend the Electoral body for timely release of voters register, with this, all is set for smooth conduct of the LGA election.”
On their part, HURIWA in a statement issued by its leader Comrade Emma Onwubiko, said this swift action by the electoral bodies which is in line with Electoral Act, has set a foundation for credible election.
The group urged all stakeholders to put all hands on deck and get ready for polls.
They also urged the Electoral body to take key decisions and actions to pave the way for holding peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
HURIWA said, “We highly commend the Independent National Electoral Commission and Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for timely release of voters register. This swift action by the electoral bodies which is in line with Electoral Act, has set a foundation for credible election.
“However, for that to be achieved, INEC needs to prepare well take key decisions and actions to pave the way for holding peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections come August 9th. We urge all stakeholders to put all hands on deck and get ready for polls. We also political actors to campaign freely and adhere to the rule of law. While we do our part, we particularly urge all civil society groups to prepare and act as observer watchdog of the process.”
