The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring a credible bye-election in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District scheduled for June 20.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo, made the appeal on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.
Alalibo said the bye-election would be conducted across 88 electoral wards and 1,629 polling units in Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai local government areas.
He disclosed that a total of 858,573 registered voters are expected to participate in the exercise.
“This bye-election is an opportunity for the people to exercise their democratic rights and renew their confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
“It is therefore the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that the process is credible and reflects the true will of the electorate,” he added.
The REC urged eligible voters in the district to take the exercise seriously, noting that the senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi.
He also announced that the commission had entered the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the state, urging residents to register, transfer their details, correct personal information and replace lost or damaged voter cards.
Alalibo said INEC had commenced logistical preparations for the election, including the deployment of 6,774 ad hoc personnel and collaboration with transport providers for the movement of materials.
He urged political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace in the area.
“Let us allow the election to remain a contest of ideas rather than violence and intimidation,” he said.
He also called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism, stressing their critical role in safeguarding voters, election personnel and materials.
The District Electoral Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Nwankwegu, said INEC was fully prepared to conduct a credible and transparent election, adding that sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been secured for deployment.
He noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be used to enhance the integrity of the process.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, assured that adequate security would be provided during the election.
Represented by CSP Kenneth Dimkpa, he said security agencies would work together to ensure peace and order throughout the exercise.
The chairman of Khana Local Government Council, Dr. Thomas Bariere, also called for intensified voter education and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the poll, expressing confidence that the election would be peaceful given ongoing preparations.
