Edison Ehie: INEC Debunks Social Media Claims, Clarifies Position on Ahoada-East Constituency II Resignation and Bye-Election in Rivers Assembly

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that it rejected the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The clarification was issued by the Acting Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Geraldine Ekelemu, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, following misinterpretations of his remarks during a recent meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in Port Harcourt on Monday, September 29, 2025.

According to INEC, the authority to organize or schedule any election rests exclusively with the Commission’s headquarters, and not the state office. The Commission emphasized that it can only act upon receiving a formal notice of vacancy from constitutionally recognized authorities in this case, the Rivers State House of Assembly.

INEC further explained that Prof. Yomere’s comments during the engagement with IPAC were his personal opinions and not an official policy statement. The Commission stressed that any interpretation suggesting otherwise was a misrepresentation of his position.

“The claim that INEC refused to accept the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II is factually incorrect and legally unfounded,” the Commission stated.

The Commission also clarified that it does not adjudicate on the validity of a declaration of vacancy. Instead, once an official declaration is signed and transmitted by the Rivers State House of Assembly, INEC will immediately commence the process of conducting a bye-election in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

This clarification aims to dispel the misinformation and reassure stakeholders that INEC remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring due process in electoral matters in R ivers State.