Rivers Bye-Election: PDP, LP, ADC have no candidates — Electoral Commissioner

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, Professor Gabriel Yomere, has confirmed that the forthcoming bye-elections for Khana Constituency 2 and Ahoada East Constituency 2 will proceed without candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Yomere disclosed this during a briefing with journalists, stating that the elections are scheduled to hold on February 21. He explained that the absence of the three major parties resulted from internal and procedural issues within the parties.

The two seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly have remained vacant for over two years. The Khana Constituency 2 seat became vacant following the death of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023, while the Ahoada East Constituency 2 seat was vacated in December 2023 after Edison Ehie resigned to serve as Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor.

With the major parties out of the race, 12 candidates from seven smaller political parties are contesting the elections, offering voters in the affected constituencies an opportunity to choose new representatives.

Yomere assured residents that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed all necessary logistical preparations to ensure a credible and orderly process.

He added that all Supervisory Presiding Officers for the election are permanent INEC staff members rather than National Youth Service Corps personnel, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to professionalism and transparency.