JUST-IN: INEC Releases Voters’ Register for Rivers LG Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released the voter register for the upcoming Rivers State local government area (LGA) elections, set for August 9, 2025.

This decision follows a formal request from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), made in accordance with the Electoral Act and a recent ruling by the Supreme Court.

In a letter dated March 3, 2025, and signed by RISIEC Chairman Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the state electoral body requested the current voter register and an updated list of registered political parties. RISIEC outlined that preparations for the fresh local government elections in Rivers State were complete, and the elections would take place as scheduled, referencing Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022.

The letter read in part, “We write to inform you that following the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has concluded plans to stage a fresh Local Government Council Election in Rivers State. The proposed date is Saturday, 9th August 2025, about 159 days from today, informed by Section 150 of the Electoral Act. We therefore hereby request the release of the current voters register together with the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria.”

In response, INEC, in a letter dated March 13, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran, granted the request. The letter instructed RISIEC to collect the soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties from INEC’s state office.

The INEC letter stated, “This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd March 2025 requesting the release of the current Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria for the conduct of the Local Government Council Election slated for Saturday, 9th August 2025 in Rivers State. The Commission has considered and approved your request. You may please liaise with the Commission’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria.”

This release ensures that preparations for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State can proceed according to plan.