The Court of Appeal in Abuja has annulled the Federal High Court’s ruling that sought to halt the Rivers State Local Government elections held on October 5, 2024.

A three-judge panel of the appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the first respondent.

As a result, the Appeal Court voided the orders issued by the lower court, deeming them invalid due to the lack of jurisdiction.

Prior to the election, the Federal High Court had instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to release the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and prohibited the Nigeria Police and other security agencies from providing security for the elections.

Tony Okocha, the dismissed caretaker chairman of the APC in Rivers State, had challenged the election’s conduct, citing unresolved cases related to the Rivers State House of Assembly. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, also chose to boycott the election.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged victorious in 22 out of 23 local government areas during the elections.