Rivers Bye-election: INEC Moves Sensitive Materials To Seven LGs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the distribution of sensitive electoral materials ahead of Saturday’s Rivers South-East senatorial bye-election.

NEWSNGR reports that the distribution exercise took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, under the supervision of INEC officials, security agencies, political party representatives and election observers.

The materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, were sorted for onward movement to the seven local government areas where the bye-election will take place.

Speaking with journalists during the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, Dr Johnson Alalibo, said the sensitive materials were properly secured and had not been tampered with.

Alalibo said the commission had put measures in place to ensure that the materials were safely transported to the affected local government areas under heavy security.

According to him, the movement of the materials would be closely monitored to prevent any compromise before the election.

He said all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a smooth and credible exercise on Saturday.

The REC expressed confidence that INEC was fully prepared to conduct a transparent, peaceful and credible bye-election in the senatorial district.

He said the commission had worked with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and political parties, to ensure that the process was properly coordinated.

Alalibo also urged political party agents and election observers to remain vigilant throughout the exercise.

He said their active participation would help strengthen public confidence in the process and prevent any individual or group from compromising the election.

The exercise was witnessed by the INEC National Commissioner supervising Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, Prof May Agbamuche-Mbu.

Also present were Resident Electoral Commissioners from Katsina, Kano and Adamawa states.

Representatives of political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders also observed the sorting and distribution of the materials.

Officials were seen arranging ballot papers and result sheets according to the seven local government areas affected by the bye-election.

INEC said the sensitive materials would be escorted by security operatives to their various destinations ahead of the poll.

The commission maintained that the process was being conducted in line with electoral guidelines to guarantee transparency and accountability.

The Rivers South-East senatorial bye-election is expected to hold on Saturday across the affected local government areas, with political parties seeking to fill the vacant seat.

INEC appealed to voters, party agents and other stakeholders to cooperate with election officials and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the exercise.