The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the February 21 bye-election for two constituencies in Rivers State.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Gabriel Yomere disclosed the decision during a security stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Constituencies affected
The bye-election will fill vacant seats in:
Ahoada East Constituency II, following the resignation of former lawmaker Edison Ehie
Khana Constituency II, after the death of legislator Dinebari Loolo in September 2023
INEC cleared 12 candidates from seven political parties to contest the election.
Parties cleared to participate
The participating parties include:
AA
All Progressives Congress (APC)
APN
BP
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Seven candidates will contest in Ahoada East II, while five will compete in Khana II.
Reasons for exclusion
INEC said the excluded parties failed to meet mandatory requirements:
ADC conducted primaries but failed to upload results to the INEC headquarters portal within the stipulated period.
PDP reportedly did not conduct primaries.
Labour Party cited ongoing litigation as the reason for non-participation.
Yomere stressed that the commission had no interest in excluding any party but was bound by electoral guidelines.
Election arrangements
INEC assured residents of a free and credible poll, noting that:
Movement will be restricted in the affected constituencies on election day.
Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been configured.
Non-sensitive materials have been received.
Only INEC staff not ad hoc personnel will conduct the election.
The commission urged voters to remain peaceful and participate in the electoral process
