The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has debunked reports circulating on social media that it refused to accept the resignation of the member representing Ahoada-East State Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly and declined to conduct a bye-election.

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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, INEC described the reports as a misrepresentation of the REC’s remarks during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in Rivers State on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The Commission clarified that:

  1. Decisions on the conduct of elections, including bye-elections, are taken solely by INEC headquarters.
  2. INEC can only act upon a formal notification from constitutionally recognized authorities declaring a legislative seat vacant.
  3. The REC’s personal views expressed during the IPAC meeting were misconstrued as an official policy statement of the Commission.
  4. Claims that INEC “did not accept” the resignation of the lawmaker are false and legally baseless.
  5. Once a valid declaration of vacancy is transmitted by the Rivers State House of Assembly, INEC will commence the necessary processes for a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.

INEC reiterated that it has no power to determine when a legislative seat becomes vacant and will only act based on proper constitutional notification.