Author: Gist Correspondent

Rivers State residents are gearing up for this month’s State Assembly byelections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reassures Nigerians of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed on Wednesday during the Commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja that the Commission has completed election timetables and schedules within the framework of the current Electoral Act. He acknowledged that the pending amendment of the Act could affect some aspects of the 2027 polls, but stressed that INEC remains committed to conducting credible elections.

“While we have submitted our recommendations to the National Assembly, the passage of the amendment may have implications for certain items in our timetable,” Amupitan said. “However, for now, the Commission has no choice but to operate within the framework of the existing law. We are fully ready to conduct elections that are free, fair, and transparent.”

In Rivers State, a total of 112,950 registered voters are expected to participate in the byelections, with 41,085 in Ahoada East II across 87 polling units in six wards, and 71,865 in Khana II across 155 polling units in eight wards. Ten political parties will field candidates for the elections. INEC has delivered non-sensitive election materials, recruited and trained ad hoc staff, and configured BVAS devices to facilitate accreditation and the transmission of results. Sensitive materials will be delivered to polling units a day before the polls.

Voters in both constituencies expressed hope for a peaceful and transparent exercise. Mrs. Ngozi Eke, a resident of Khana II, said, “We just want a free and fair election. Everyone should be able to vote without fear, and we trust INEC to make that happen.” Another voter, Mr. Boma Johnson of Ahoada East II, added, “I have collected my PVC and I will go out to vote. The election is important for our community, and I hope everyone participates responsibly.”

Amupitan also called on CSOs to assist in mobilizing voters and promoting peaceful participation. “We urge all partners to sensitize residents to collect their PVCs before the elections and to ensure that political activities are conducted within the law. Avoiding hate speech, vote buying, misinformation, and violence is crucial,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Amupitan urged the National Assembly to expedite the Electoral Act amendment and announced a nationwide voter revalidation exercise. “A credible register of voters remains the bedrock of free, fair, and transparent elections. Accordingly, the Commission will embark on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he added.

The Rivers State byelections, along with other scheduled polls in Kano State and the Federal Capital Territory, are being closely monitored by domestic and international observers and are seen as a key test of INEC’s readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.