The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that the African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and Labour Party will not take part in the upcoming bye-elections into the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The polls are scheduled for February 21 in two constituencies — Khana State Constituency II and Ahoada East State Constituency II.
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Yomere, disclosed that five candidates will contest in Khana Constituency II, while seven candidates will vie for the seat in Ahoada East Constituency II.
Participating parties include 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 after it could not upload its candidate’s details to the commission’s nomination portal before the deadline, while the Labour Party is currently entangled in legal disputes over its candidacy process.
The commission added that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines have been configured and are ready for deployment, with training and screening of election personnel already underway.
To ensure credibility, all Supervisory Presiding Officers will be drawn from core INEC staff, given that the exercise will take place in only two local government areas.
Other ad hoc staff, including Assistant Presiding Officers, will be sourced from the National Youth Service Corps.
INEC said non-sensitive materials have been distributed to the affected LGAs, while sensitive materials will be delivered to registration centres on election morning under security escort.
The commission also revealed that potential flashpoints have been identified and security agencies briefed to guarantee safety and order during the exercise, assuring voters and stakeholders of its commitment to a free, fair, and credible poll.
