The Supreme Court has nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, declaring them invalid for gross violations of the Electoral Act.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, February 28, 2025, Justice Jamilu Tukur held that the election process was marred by irregularities, including the continued voter registration even after the election date was announced. The court ruled that the Rivers State electoral body failed to comply substantially with the Electoral Act and breached Section 150, rendering the election void.
“The processes leading to the local government election were abridged in clear violation of the Electoral Act,” Justice Tukur declared.
The verdict effectively sacks all local government chairmen sworn in under the disputed election, further intensifying the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a separate judgment on the same day, the Supreme Court issued a decisive blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, found that the state government had been in “flagrant disobedience of court orders.”
Additionally, the court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. It ruled that the governor’s decision to present the 2024 appropriation bill before a four-man Assembly was unconstitutional, effectively denying representation to 28 constituencies.
“Governor Fubara’s actions regarding the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers amount to brigandage and dictatorship aimed at crippling the Assembly,” the court ruled.
The apex court also condemned the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as an abuse of executive power intended to frustrate legislative proceedings under Amaewhule’s leadership.
With this ruling, political tensions in Rivers State are set to escalate, as the court orders a full restoration of the Assembly led by Amaewhule while leaving Fubara’s administration in financial limbo.
