The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the Federal High Court’s decision to halt the October 5, 2024, Rivers State Local Government elections. The appellate court, in its ruling, declared that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to preside over the case filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A three-man panel of judges delivered the judgment, setting aside the orders of the lower court, which had earlier restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The Federal High Court had also barred the police and other security agencies from providing election-day security.

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The dismissed caretaker chairman of the APC in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, initially brought the case to the Federal High Court, arguing that unresolved issues involving the Rivers State House of Assembly rendered the election invalid.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, opted not to participate in the polls. Meanwhile, the Action Peoples Party (APP) secured victories in 22 out of 23 local government areas during the contentious election.