The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) will not take part in the forthcoming bye-elections in two constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Gatekeepers News reports that the bye-elections are scheduled to hold on February 21 in Khana State Constituency II and Ahoada East State Constituency II.
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Yomere, said five candidates are contesting in Khana Constituency II, while seven candidates will vie for the seat in Ahoada East Constituency II.
According to him, the participating political parties are AA, APC, APM, BP, NNPP, YPP, and ZLP.
INEC explained that the PDP failed to conduct a primary election and therefore did not produce a candidate.
The ADC was excluded for failing to successfully upload its candidate’s details to the INEC nomination portal before the deadline.
The LP, Yomere said, is currently “embroiled in litigation over its candidacy process,” making it ineligible to field a candidate for the polls.
Yomere disclosed that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been configured and are ready for deployment, while the training and screening of election personnel are ongoing.
To enhance credibility, he said all Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) for the exercise are being drawn from core INEC staff, as the elections will take place in only two local government areas. Other ad hoc staff, including Assistant Presiding Officers, are being sourced from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
He added that non-sensitive materials have already been distributed to the affected local government areas, while sensitive materials will be delivered to the Registration Area Centres on the morning of the election under security escort.
INEC also disclosed that potential flashpoints have been identified, with security agencies briefed to ensure adequate deployment to prevent violence and maintain order.
The commission assured voters and stakeholders of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible bye-elections in both constituencies.
