Major Parties Sidelined in Rivers Bye-Election

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Ribers State Resident Electoral Commission, REC, Professor Gabriel Yomere has confirmed the February 21 bye-elections for Khana and Ahoada East constituencies will exclude the PDP, LP, and ADC. 

Their exclusion stems from internal crises and procedural failures during candidate nomination.

These legislative seats have remained vacant for over two years. The openings followed the death of Dinebari Loolo and the resignation of Edison Ehie to join the Governor’s cabinet.

With major parties out, 12 candidates from seven smaller parties are competing. This provides a rare platform for minor parties to gain legislative representation in the state.

INEC has finalized all logistics to ensure a credible voting process. The commission aims to end the long-standing lack of representation for these two constituencies.

To ensure professional conduct, all supervisory officers are permanent INEC staff. This decision replaces the use of temporary corps members for these key roles.

The REC emphasized that despite the missing major parties, the election is legally sound. The process remains a critical step toward restoring constitutional balance in the state assembly.

Yomere reassured the public that the commission is prepared for a fair contest. He urged residents to participate peacefully to elect their long-awaited representatives.