The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the date and time for two bye-elections in Rivers State.
In a notice shared on its social media platform on Tuesday, the electoral body stated that the polls in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies would hold on 21st February.
According to INEC, the elections would allow residents to choose new representatives for the Rivers State House of Assembly. Voting was scheduled to commence across all designated polling units at 8:30 am.
“To ensure a seamless process, INEC opened media accreditation and finalised the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS),” the commission said.
INEC reminded voters that that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be eligible to participate. The Commission expressed its commitment to maintaining neutrality.
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INEC further pledged to conduct transparent elections that reflect the will of the people in both constituencies. The vacancies arose due to death and resignation.
The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its member, Edison Ehie, while the Khana II seat fell vacant after its member passed away in September 2023.
Dinebari Loolo died in 2023 in Port Harcourt which led to a vacancy for the Khana II seat and preparations for bye-elections.
Ehie resigned after a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu ended a prolonged political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Following his resignation, the governor appointed him as Chief of Staff.
