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In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has declared the local government election conducted on October 5, 2024, by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) invalid. The judgment, delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, has resulted in the immediate removal of all local government chairmen elected during the disputed election.
Justice Tukur, in his ruling, cited gross violations of the Electoral Act by RSIEC as the primary reason for the nullification.
He highlighted that the commission failed to comply with electoral guidelines, particularly by continuing voter registration even after announcing the election date. Additionally, the processes leading to the election were unlawfully shortened, violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act.
The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State. The RSIEC, a statutory body constituted by the Government of Rivers State to oversee local government elections, has faced criticism for its handling of the October 2024 election.
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