Court Clears Rivers State Local Elections, Invalidates APC Suit

• Nov 22, 2024

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified a Federal High Court ruling that aimed to halt the Rivers State Local Government elections held on October 5, 2024. The decision overturns earlier orders that sought to disrupt the electoral process, bringing clarity to the contested poll.

A three-member panel of the appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court, led by Justice Peter Lifu, had no jurisdiction to hear the case filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The appellate court declared all orders issued by the lower court invalid, emphasizing the absence of authority in the matter.

Justice Lifu’s Federal High Court had previously restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Additionally, the court barred security agencies from providing support during the elections. These directives were based on a suit initiated by Tony Okocha, a dismissed APC caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State. Okocha argued that pending legal issues involving the Rivers State House of Assembly made the elections illegitimate.

Despite these arguments, the Court of Appeal disagreed, affirming the legality of the electoral process. This judgment effectively cleared the elections of all legal hindrances, allowing the results to stand.

The elections saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) achieve a sweeping victory, securing 22 out of the 23 local government areas. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, boycotted the elections entirely.

This ruling marks a significant development in Rivers State politics, reaffirming the independence of electoral bodies and limiting judicial interference in matters beyond a court’s jurisdiction. It also underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties, as the APC’s legal challenge failed to prevent the elections or alter their outcomes.

By clearing the legal hurdles surrounding the October 5 polls, the Court of Appeal has reinforced the credibility of the democratic process in Rivers State, ensuring that the elected local government officials can assume office without further controversy.