The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released the updated voter register for the upcoming Rivers State local government elections. The elections are scheduled to take place on August 9, 2025. This decision comes after a formal request from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), which sought compliance with the Electoral Act and a recent Supreme Court judgment.
In a letter dated March 3, 2025, RISIEC, through its Chairman, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, requested INEC to provide the latest voter register and an updated list of registered political parties. The letter, which was addressed to the INEC Chairman, explained that the state electoral body had finalized plans to conduct fresh local government elections, citing relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Part of the letter stated, “We write to inform you that following the recent pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has concluded plans to stage a fresh Local Government Council Election in Rivers State. The proposed date is Saturday, 9th August 2025, about 159 days from today, informed by Section 150 of the Electoral Act. We therefore hereby request the release of the current voters register together with the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria.”
Following this request, INEC, in a letter dated March 13, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran, confirmed its approval. The electoral body directed RISIEC to collect a soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties from its state office.
INEC’s response stated, “This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd March 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, 9th August 2025 in Rivers State. The Commission has considered and approved your request. You may please liaise with the Commission’s Rivers State office to collect the soft copy of the Rivers State Register of Voters and the updated list of registered political parties in Nigeria.”
