The Opposition Lawmakers Coalition has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) for releasing the voter register ahead of the August 9 Rivers State Local Government elections, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring a credible electoral process.
RISIEC had formally requested the voter register and a list of political parties from INEC in a letter dated March 3, 2025, signed by its Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli. Citing Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission emphasized the necessity of the documents for conducting fresh local government elections in compliance with a Supreme Court directive.
INEC, in a response dated March 13 and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran, approved the request and instructed RISIEC to obtain the documents from its Rivers State office.
“This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 3, 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, August 9, 2025, in Rivers State. The Commission has considered and approved your request,” INEC stated.
Reacting to the development, the opposition lawmakers welcomed the move and stressed the need for further measures to ensure a transparent and peaceful election. Coalition spokesperson Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, in a press statement, highlighted the significance of the upcoming polls.
“With only 159 days until the Rivers State Local Government elections, this will be a defining moment,” Ugochinyere stated. “I urge the electoral body to take decisive actions to guarantee peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.”
He stressed that elections must not only be conducted but also meet high standards of fairness and transparency.
“Credibility, transparency, and inclusivity bring legitimacy. Political parties must be able to campaign freely, civil society organizations should engage in voter education and monitoring, and the media must operate without fear,” he added.
