BREAKING: Court Blocks INEC from Releasing Voters Register for Rivers LG Elections

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the upcoming local government elections.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the order while ruling on a motion ex-parte filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The motion, led by senior lawyers Joseph Daudu, Sebastine Hon, and Ogwu James Onoja, was brought under Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act, and other related legal provisions.

The court also barred the Rivers Electoral Commission and the Rivers Attorney-General from receiving or using any part of the National Voter’s Register from INEC for the local government elections. Additionally, Justice Lifu restrained the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Service (DSS) from participating in or providing security for the elections.

An order was also issued for all parties involved, including INEC, RSIEC, the Rivers Attorney-General, IGP, and DSS, to maintain the status quo and refrain from any further action related to the local government elections until the case is resolved.

The interim orders will remain in effect until the substantive suit, which challenges the conduct of the local government elections, is determined. Justice Lifu required the APC to provide damages to the defendants if the suit is found to be frivolous.

Substituted service of the orders and other court documents will be conducted through publications in two major national dailies. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on August 2 to respond to the matter.

The APC’s acting chairman, Tony Okocha, alleged that INEC’s failure to comply with the Electoral Act regarding voter registration could breach constitutional and legal provisions. He argued that only the voter register managed by INEC should be used for local government elections and that RSIEC should not compile or maintain a separate register.

The APC also committed to paying damages if the restraining order proves unwarranted. The case will be further heard on August 2, with all five defendants required to respond.