INEC Denies Sending Voters Register to RSIEC: Here are What You Need to Know
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been barred by a Federal High Court in Abuja from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the purpose of conducting local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. This judicial decision was influenced by several legal and procedural issues:
- Legal Non-Compliance: The court found that RSIEC did not adhere to necessary legal processes, including not providing the mandatory 90-day notice before setting the election date.
- Voter Register Use: Only INEC has the statutory authority to compile, maintain, and update the voters’ register, which RSIEC is supposed to use for local government elections.
- Security and Enforcement: The court also prohibited the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services from providing security or facilitating any activities related to these elections by RSIEC.
- Status Quo Maintenance: The court ordered that the status quo be maintained, effectively halting any further steps towards the local government elections until all legal issues are resolved.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring electoral processes adhere to legal standards, aiming to uphold the fairness and legality of elections in Rivers State. The case has drawn significant attention, potentially setting a precedent for similar situations across Nigeria, highlighting the importance of due process in electoral matters.
Public sentiment on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflects a mix of reactions, with some users expressing support for the court’s decision citing adherence to legal processes, while others have posted content suggesting that RSIEC had already obtained the voters’ register before the court’s ruling, indicating a possible oversight or procedural error in the handling of electoral preparation. However, these claims from X posts should be treated as part of public discourse rather than conclusive evidence of the situation.
