Electoral Commissioner Yomere Confirms PDP, LP, ADC Absence in Rivers Bye-Election

The impending bye-elections for Khana Constituency 2 and Ahoada East Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly will go on, according to Professor Gabriel Yomere, the State’s resident electoral commissioner.

He said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not field any candidates in the February 21 Rivers bye poll.

During a press briefing, Yomere affirmed this.

Regarding election preparations, he stated that a mix of internal and procedural issues among the parties is to blame for the absence of these influential figures.

Over two years have passed since the two Assembly seats were vacant.

Following Dinebari Loolo’s death in September 2023, the seat for Khana Constituency 2 fell empty, while Edison Ehie’s resignation in December 2023 to take on the position of Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor left Ahoada East Constituency 2 vacant.

Voters in the impacted constituencies are finally getting the chance to choose their MPs as twelve candidates from seven smaller political parties are now competing for the open seats.

In order to guarantee a smooth election, Professor Yomere told the populace that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had completed all logistical preparations.

In order to emphasize the commission’s dedication to legitimacy, he further emphasized that all Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) are permanent INEC employees rather than Corps members.