Opposition Lawmakers Hail INEC, RISIEC for Releasing Voters’ Register Ahead of Rivers LG Polls
The Opposition Lawmakers Coalition has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) for the timely release of the voters’ register in preparation for the local government elections in Rivers State, set for August 9, 2025.
The lawmakers called the move a critical step towards ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
According to LEADERSHIP reports, RISIEC had previously requested the voters’ register and the list of registered political parties from INEC in a letter dated March 3, 2025, signed by its Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli. The letter cited Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, noting that the commission was preparing for fresh local government elections in light of a Supreme Court ruling.
In response, INEC approved the request in a letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran. The letter instructed RISIEC to liaise with INEC’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the voters’ register and the updated list of registered political parties.
“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,” part of the INEC letter read.
Reacting to this development, the coalition of opposition lawmakers expressed their support for the decision, emphasizing that it would facilitate a smooth and transparent election process. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the coalition’s spokesperson, in a press release, underscored the importance of taking further steps to ensure a credible election.
“With only 159 days left before the conduct of the fresh local government elections in Rivers State, this is going to be a ‘make-or-break’ year,” Ugochinyere stated. “That is why I urge the electoral body to make key decisions and take decisive actions to ensure peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.”
He stressed that simply holding elections is not enough—the entire process must be free, fair, and transparent. “Credibility, transparency, and inclusivity are what bring legitimacy. Political parties must be able to campaign freely, civil society organizations must actively engage in voter education and election monitoring, and the media must be allowed to report without fear,” he added.
