A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) ahead of the October 5, 2024 local government election.
The ruling was issued on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu, following a lawsuit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The court not only prevented INEC from releasing the voters’ register but also prohibited the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services from offering security support for the upcoming election.
Justice Lifu ruled that RSIEC’s decision to schedule the election was unlawful, as it did not adhere to the necessary legal requirements, including the 90-day notice mandated by law.
Additionally, the judge revealed that the update and revision of the voters’ register should have been completed before an election date could be legally set.
Consequently, the court ordered that the election cannot proceed until these conditions are met.