Prof. Gabriel Yomere, Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Rivers State, has confirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct the February 21 by-elections.
Yomere stated that all necessary preparations have been concluded to ensure a smooth and credible exercise across the affected constituencies.
He made the disclosure during a briefing with journalists following a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC for security agencies on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
The REC said preparations for the Ahoada-East II and Khana II State Constituencies by-elections have been completed.
According to Yomere, key steps such as the publication of the notice of registration and the announcement of the election date have been finalised.
He revealed that 12 candidates from seven political parties will contest the elections — seven candidates in Ahoada-East II and five in Khana II.
“A total of 71,865 voters are registered in Ahoada-East II, while 41,085 voters are registered in Khana II,” he said.
On logistics, Yomere explained that INEC has engaged transport unions to guarantee the timely movement of personnel and election materials on election day.
He added that all BVAS machines have been configured, SIM cards inserted, and power banks are being charged.
The REC said the commission has received and distributed all non-sensitive materials to the affected local government areas, while sensitive materials are expected to arrive during the week of the election.
He stated that training of ad-hoc staff is ongoing. “The training and screening of Supervisory Presiding Officers, drawn strictly from INEC staff, have been completed. Training for Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, selected from INEC staff and NYSC members, will take place between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15.”
On security, Yomere noted that flashpoints have been identified in Ahoada-East and Khana Local Government Areas, and security agencies have been notified for proper deployment. He added that movement within the constituencies will be restricted on election day.
“We call on all stakeholders, especially security agencies, political parties, the media, and the electorate, to continue to support the commission toward a successful bye-election. INEC remains firmly committed to conducting a free, fair, peaceful, and credible bye-election that reflects the will of the people of Rivers,” he said.
