Despite growing concerns over the conduct of elections in Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured opposition political parties of a free, fair, and credible electoral process in 2027. The assurance was given during a strategic engagement between INEC officials and leaders of various political parties in the state, under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). The meeting aimed to address concerns over possible electoral violence, alleged political intimidation, and INEC's impartiality.
The opposition parties in Rivers State had expressed fears over the use of Local Government Area headquarters as collation centers during elections. They also raised concerns over alleged political intimidation and violence. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rivers State, Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, responded to these concerns, assuring the parties that the Commission would conduct free and fair elections. He emphasized that INEC's role is to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
Sinikiem explained that Local Government Area headquarters are secured and established places, suitable for collation centers during elections. He noted that these centers provide appropriate accommodation and security for personnel, materials, and officers involved in the collation process. The INEC official assured the parties that the Commission would maintain its neutrality and ensure that all political parties are treated equally.
The State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised concerns over a series of negative political developments in Rivers State. IPAC State Secretary and Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Ben Ogbobula, advised INEC to carefully consider concerns raised by political parties and maintain neutrality in its responsibilities. He emphasized the need for INEC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
Ogbobula alleged that the ruling party in Rivers State has been engaging in acts of intimidation, including sending people to burn the offices of opposition political parties and disrupt their meetings. He warned that no political party should be intimidated and urged INEC to be observant and neutral in the discharge of its responsibilities. IPAC also expressed concerns over the arrest of members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for unlawful gathering.
The INEC engagement with IPAC aimed to promote a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections. The meeting provided a platform for INEC officials to address concerns raised by political parties and reiterate the Commission's commitment to free and fair elections. The parties were assured that INEC would work to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive.
The 2027 general elections in Rivers State are expected to be a significant event, with various political parties vying for positions. The assurance from INEC has helped to alleviate concerns over the credibility of the electoral process. However, the opposition parties have emphasized the need for INEC to remain vigilant and ensure that the electoral process is free from intimidation and violence.
Key points
- INEC assures opposition parties in Rivers State of free, fair, and credible polls in 2027.
- Opposition parties in Rivers State express concerns over electoral violence, alleged political intimidation, and INEC's impartiality.
- INEC engages with IPAC to address concerns and promote a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
