The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday received and inspected sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections in two constituencies in Rivers State.
The exercise, held at the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Port Harcourt, was led by INEC National Commissioner supervising South-South states, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, alongside Lagos State REC, Prof. Abayomi Salimi, and INEC National Commissioner from Abia State, Chukwuemeka Ibeziaku. Party agents were also present to ensure transparency.
Briefing journalists and party representatives, Rivers State REC, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, highlighted the significance of the exercise:
“We are here to examine the sensitive materials that have arrived, including ballot papers, Form EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, and EC8E. By law, party agents must be present to ensure the materials are not tampered with before they are escorted by security personnel to their respective polling units.”
Benjamin Ogbobula, Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party in Rivers, expressed satisfaction with the inspection but stressed that the will of the people must be respected.
“I’m very satisfied. The materials were opened and signed for transparency. I inspected materials for all six wards of Ahoada East II and eight wards of Khana. What we have seen is proper. Now it is up to INEC to take them to the various polling areas,” Ogbobula said.
He further urged INEC to ensure timely delivery of materials and smooth conduct of the election, noting that previous election issues often stem from voters being prevented from casting their ballots or materials being mismanaged.
“I told the REC to ensure this election is conducted properly. This is his first time overseeing an election in Rivers State. Materials should arrive on time so that people can vote and results can be declared,” Ogbobula added.
