The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Professor Gabriel Yomere, has confirmed that the upcoming bye-elections for Khana Constituency 2 and Ahoada East Constituency 2 will go ahead as planned. According to him, the exercise will take place on February 21 despite the absence of candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Yomere explained during a media briefing that the exclusion of these major political parties was due to internal and procedural issues within the parties themselves. As a result, none of them will feature on the ballot for the two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Khana Constituency 2 seat became vacant after the death of Dinebari Loolo in September 2023, while the Ahoada East Constituency 2 position was left open following the resignation of Edison Ehie in December 2023, when he was appointed Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor. Now, 12 candidates from seven smaller political parties are contesting the elections.

Professor Yomere assured residents that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a credible and peaceful poll. He also noted that Supervisory Presiding Officers for the election are permanent INEC staff, highlighting the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.