Parties INEC Barred From Rivers Byelection

Parties INEC Barred From Rivers Byelection

The Independent National Electoral Commission has ruled out the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and African Democratic Congress from taking part in the February 21 bye-election in Rivers State.

The decision was announced in Port Harcourt by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gabriel Yomere, during a meeting with security agencies.

The poll will fill vacant seats in Ahoada East Constituency 2 and Khana Constituency 2 of the state House of Assembly.

The vacancies followed the resignation of Edison Ehie and the death of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023.

INEC cleared 12 candidates from seven parties to contest the seats.

According to the commission, the excluded parties failed to meet required conditions.

ADC did not upload its primary results within the stipulated period, PDP did not conduct primaries, and Labour Party cited ongoing litigation as its reason for non-participation.

INEC said movement will be restricted in the affected areas on election day.

All voting machines have been prepared, non-sensitive materials received, and only regular INEC staff will supervise the exercise to ensure a credible process.