The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that the Commission refused to accept the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II in the State House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by Geraldine Ekelemu, Acting Head of Voter Education and Publicity on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, the Commission described the reports as incorrect and misleading.
The clarification followed claims attributed to Prof. Yomere during an engagement with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in Port Harcourt on Monday, September 29, 2025.
INEC explained that the decision to organize a bye-election lies solely with the Commission’s headquarters and is dependent on the receipt of a formal notice from the appropriate authority recognized by the Constitution, in this case, the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The REC’s personal opinion expressed during the IPAC meeting has been misconstrued as a policy statement from the Commission,” the statement read.
INEC further emphasized that it does not determine when a legislative seat becomes vacant, nor does it adjudicate on the validity of a declaration of vacancy. Once such a declaration is duly signed and transmitted by the authorized legislative authority, the Commission said it would immediately commence the process of conducting a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
The Commission therefore urged the public to disregard the false report and rely on official communications from INEC for accurate information.
