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Federal High Court Blocks INEC from Releasing Voters’ Register for Rivers LG Election

In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the October 5, 2024 local government election. The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, was in response to a lawsuit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Key Highlights of the Ruling:

– INEC Restrained: INEC is prohibited from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC.
– Security Support Blocked: The Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services are barred from providing security support for the election.
– Election Schedule Unlawful: Justice Lifu deemed RSIEC’s decision to schedule the election unlawful due to non-compliance with legal requirements, including the mandatory 90-day notice.
– Voters’ Register Update Required: The court emphasized that the voters’ register must be updated and revised before setting an election date.

Implications of the Ruling:

The court’s decision effectively halts the local government election until the necessary conditions are met. This development may lead to further legal battles and potentially impact the electoral process in Rivers State.

The APC’s lawsuit challenged the legality of the election schedule, citing RSIEC’s failure to adhere to established legal protocols. With the court’s ruling, the focus shifts to the electoral commissions’ next steps and potential appeals.

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