CLARIFICATION ON INEC’S POSITION ON THE AHOADA-EAST STATE CONSTITUENCY II IN THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State, wishes to address the incorrect report on Social media attributed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, during an engagement with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Rivers State on Monday, September 29, 2025, suggesting that the Commission refused to accept the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II and, by implication, declined to initiate a bye-election in Ahoada-East State Constituency II as follows: 1. The Hon. REC was very transparent in his statement that the decision as to the organization of any election lies solely with the Commission’s Headquarters. 2. That the decision of INEC on when to conduct a bye-election is only conditioned on its receipt of a formal notice from the appropriate authorities recognized by the Constitution, stating that any legislative seat has become vacant, and INEC cannot, on its own, declare, recognize, or determine when any legislative seat has become vacant. 3. That the REC’s opinion and perception surrounding the issue of resignation, which he freely expressed during the IPAC visit, has been misconstrued as a Policy statement from the Commission. 4. Any claim that INEC “did not accept” the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II is factually incorrect and legally unfounded. 5. INEC does not adjudicate on the validity of a declaration of vacancy. Once it has been signed and transmitted by the authorized legislative authority and in this case, Rivers State House of Assembly, the Commission will commence the processes required to conduct a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act. Geraldine Ekelemu Ag. HOD, Voter Education & Publicity, For: Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Rivers State