INEC Excludes PDP, LP, ADC from Rivers Bye-Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not participate in the forthcoming bye-elections for two constituencies in Rivers State, scheduled for February 21. Gabriel Yomer, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, disclosed this during a media briefing in Port Harcourt.

Five candidates will contest in the Khana Constituency II, while seven candidates will vie for the Ahoada East Constituency II seat. The political parties participating in this electoral exercise include Action Alliance, Progress Congress, People's Movement, Boot Party, New Nigeria People's Party, Young Progress Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Yomer explained that the PDP failed to conduct primary elections, resulting in their inability to produce candidates, while the ADC was excluded for failing to successfully upload its candidates' details to the INEC nomination portal by the stipulated deadline. The Labour Party is currently embroiled in litigation regarding its candidacy process, rendering it ineligible for the bye-elections.