INEC Gives Explains why no Ahoada-East II Polls
Last update: October 1, 2025
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The electoral body says it is awaiting a formal declaration of vacancy from the State Assembly before it can act.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has issued a strong rebuttal against social media reports claiming it refused to accept the resignation of a state lawmaker, thereby stalling a bye-election.
Edison Ehie, deputy Speaker and a factional speaker of the House during the political crisis in the state had resigned his position as the speaker and member of the State Assembly.
The clarification comes in response to what the commission describes as a "misconstrued" account of remarks made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, during a meeting with political parties in Port Harcourt
The reports had suggested that INEC had deliberately refused to initiate a bye-election for the Ahoada-East State Constituency II seat in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a public statement released, the commission outlined its official position, seeking to set the record straight.
Key Points from INEC's Clarification:
1. No Power to Declare Vacancy: INEC emphasized that it does not have the legal authority to "declare, recognize, or determine" when a legislative seat becomes vacant. This power, it stated, rests with the appropriate constitutional authorities.
2. Awaiting Formal Notification: The commission clarified that its role in conducting a bye-election is triggered only upon receiving a formal notice of vacancy from the Rivers State House of Assembly. It cannot act unilaterally.
3. REC's Personal Opinion Misinterpreted: INEC stated that the REC's personal "opinion and perception" on the resignation issue, shared during the IPAC meeting, were mistakenly taken as an official policy statement from the commission.
4. "Did Not Accept" Claim is False: The commission explicitly labeled any claim that it "did not accept" the lawmaker's resignation as "factually incorrect and legally unfounded."
5. Ready to Act: INEC assured the public that once a properly signed declaration of vacancy is transmitted by the State House of Assembly, it will "commence the processes required to conduct a bye-election" in full compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The statement, signed by Geraldine Ekelenu, the Acting Head of Voter Education and Publicity, said the commission remains an impartial electoral body that follows due process, shifting the onus for initiating the bye-election process to the legislative arm of government.
CBI News reports that the development leaves the ball in the court of the Rivers State House of Assembly to formally notify INEC of the vacancy, a necessary step before voters in Ahoada-East Constituency II can anticipate a bye election.
