By Parrot Newspaper 
Supreme Court Voids Rivers LG Election: Legal Oversight or Political Maneuver?
By Ricky Awodi
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday declared the October 5, 2024, Rivers State local government election invalid, illegal, null, and void. The decision, delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, cited gross violations of Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022 by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Why the Election Was Declared Invalid
The court ruled that RSIEC failed to meet key legal requirements before proceeding with the election, including:
1. Non-compliance with the 90-day notice rule – Local government election laws mandate that RSIEC publish a notice at least 90 days before an election, a condition it ignored.
2. Lack of updated voter register – A Federal High Court ruling on September 30, 2024, had barred INEC from releasing voter data to RSIEC, which was a prerequisite for a valid election.
3. Security concerns – The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Department of State Services (DSS) were ordered not to provide security, making the election susceptible to legal challenges.
The APC Lawsuit That Shaped the Verdict
The case that led to this Supreme Court ruling originated from a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. A team of senior legal minds—Joseph Daudu, Sebastine Hon, and Ogwu James Onoja (all SANs)—argued that the election was flawed from the outset.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the lower court ruling, agreed, stating that RSIEC was wrong to fix the election date without fulfilling the necessary legal conditions. He further ruled that INEC must withhold the voter register until all legal procedures were met.
Political Implications: What Happens Next?
With the Supreme Court’s verdict, the entire outcome of the Rivers LG election stands nullified, raising several critical questions:
What becomes of the elected officials? Will they be removed immediately, or will there be further legal battles?
Will a new election be conducted? If so, under whose supervision and when?
What role will Governor Siminalayi Fubara play? Given the political climate in Rivers, will the state government push for an appeal or accept the ruling?
Final Thoughts
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of legal due process in electoral matters. Whether this was a genuine case of constitutional violation or a politically motivated legal maneuver remains a subject of debate. One thing is certain: the fallout from this ruling will shape Rivers State’s political landscape in the coming months.
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