By Abiola Olawale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the updated voters register and the list of registered political parties to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) ahead of the forthcoming Local Government (LG) elections in Rivers State, scheduled for August 9, 2025.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by INEC’s Administrative Secretary, Odor Napoleon Emezuiruke, and addressed to the RSIEC Chairman, the national electoral commission confirmed the provision of a soft copy of the updated voters register.
It was gathered that the development follows a formal request by RSIEC, aligning with legal requirements and a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating fresh local government elections in the state.
RSIEC, in a press statement, acknowledged receipt of the documents from INEC Headquarters.
The statement, signed by the RSIEC Commissioner for Media and Civic Education, Tamunotonye Tobins, emphasized the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election.
The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission is pleased to inform all stakeholders, political parties, and citizens that we have secured the updated register of voters for Rivers State, along with the current list of registered political parties in Nigeria. These key documents were released to RSIEC on March 13, 2025.”
This development follows a turbulent period for local government elections in Rivers State. The Supreme Court had previously annulled the LG election held on October 5, 2024, citing irregularities, including INEC’s failure to provide an updated voter register to RSIEC.
