LG Polls: HURIWA Commends INEC for Releasing Rivers Voters’ Register, Calls for Credible Elections

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) for the timely release of the voters’ register ahead of the local government elections in Rivers State, scheduled for August 9, 2025.

In a statement issued by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emma Onwubiko, the group hailed the action as an important step toward ensuring a free, fair, and credible election process. “This swift action by the electoral bodies, in line with the Electoral Act, has set a solid foundation for credible elections,” the rights group remarked.

The release of the voters’ register followed a formal request from RISIEC, made in a letter dated March 3, 2025, and signed by its Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli. The letter, addressed to INEC Chairman, referenced Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022 as the legal basis for the request, pointing out that the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government administration in the state had necessitated fresh elections.

In response, INEC, in a letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran, granted RISIEC’s request and directed them to liaise with the Commission’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the voters’ register and the updated list of registered political parties. The letter stated, “The Commission has considered and approved your request.”

HURIWA lauded INEC’s decision and called on all stakeholders—including political actors, civil society groups, and election observers—to begin preparing for the polls. “For credible elections to be achieved, INEC must continue making key decisions and take actions that will pave the way for a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent process,” the group stated.

The rights group also urged political parties to ensure free and fair campaigns, emphasizing that candidates must adhere to electoral laws and avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the elections. “We urge all stakeholders to put all hands on deck and get ready for the elections,” the statement concluded.

Furthermore, HURIWA stressed the importance of civil society organizations and the media in serving as watchdogs to ensure that the election process remains transparent and credible. “While we do our part, we particularly urge civil society groups to prepare and act as observer watchdogs of the process,” HURIWA added.