INEC Dismisses Rivers Governor’s Allegation of Selective Election Implementation

By Anayo Akwitti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims by Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, accusing the Commission of selectively conducting elections to fill vacant legislative seats following the defection of lawmakers.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Commission clarifies that while no specific instances of alleged selective action were cited, the governor’s remarks appeared to target INEC’s handling of the political crisis in Rivers State House of Assembly.

INEC acknowledged the ongoing dispute, where rival factions have declared seats vacant in a power struggle. However, it stressed that the matter remains in court, making it sub judice.

“The Commission has been joined in multiple legal suits, including at the Supreme Court. Under the circumstances, we must await a final judicial pronouncement before taking any action to avoid engaging in an exercise that could ultimately be nullified and waste public resources,” the statement reads.

INEC further cautioned public officials to exercise restraint in their statements to prevent misleading the public and undermining national institutions, particularly when legal proceedings are still ongoing.