The Digest:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the February 21 bye-election for two Rivers State House of Assembly constituencies. Resident Electoral Commissioner Gabriel Yomere disclosed at a Port Harcourt meeting that 12 candidates from seven political parties, AA, APC, APN, BP, NNPP, YPP, and ZLP, were cleared for the Ahoada East Constituency 2 and Khana Constituency 2 polls. Yomere stated the ADC was excluded for failing to upload primary results to the INEC portal within the stipulated period. The PDP was disqualified for not conducting primaries, while the LP cited litigation as the reason for non-participation. Yomere assured citizens of a free, fair, and credible election, with movement restricted on election day and only INEC staff conducting the polls.
Key Points:
- The exclusion of major opposition parties significantly narrows the field in both constituencies.
- It raises questions about party compliance with INEC regulations ahead of 2027.
- Smaller parties gain opportunity, while the PDP, LP, and ADC face organisational failures.
- This signals the importance of strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
- The timing, days before the poll, leaves no room for remedy.
Sources: The Punch, INEC Rivers State
