The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the voters register for the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for August 9, 2025. This decision follows a request from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) and is in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and a recent Supreme Court pronouncement.

In a letter dated March 3, 2025, RISIEC Chairman Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli formally requested the voters register and an updated list of political parties from INEC. The letter cited Sections 9(1)(a) and 15 of the Electoral Act 2022, emphasizing the need for these documents to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. RISIEC also referenced Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which mandates timely preparation for electoral processes.

INEC, in its response dated March 13, 2025, signed by Secretary Rose Oriaran, acknowledged RISIEC’s request and approved the release of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of political parties. The commission directed RISIEC to liaise with its Rivers State office to collect the soft copies of the required documents.

The timely release of the voters register has been widely commended by stakeholders, including the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Both groups described the action as a critical step toward ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.

Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, praised INEC for its prompt response, stating, “With only 159 days remaining before the conduct of fresh local government elections in Rivers State, it is going to be a ‘make or break’ year. I urge the electoral body to take key decisions and actions to pave the way for holding peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. Simply holding elections is not enough—the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of the process are what bring legitimacy.”

HURIWA, in a statement by its leader Comrade Emma Onwubiko, also lauded INEC and RISIEC for their swift action, which aligns with the Electoral Act. The group emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure a successful election. “We highly commend INEC and RISIEC for the timely release of the voters register. This swift action has set a foundation for a credible election. However, for this to be achieved, INEC needs to prepare well and take key decisions to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and credible election on August 9th,” the statement read.

HURIWA further urged political actors to campaign freely and adhere to the rule of law while calling on civil society groups to act as watchdogs during the electoral process. The group stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to guarantee a smooth and credible election.