By Muhammad Mamman
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of the by-elections held in two constituencies of Rivers State House of Assembly, amid the absence of major opposition parties from the ballots.
The electoral body announced that the APC secured victory in Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II following Saturday’s polls conducted to fill vacant legislative seats.
The by-elections were organised to replace lawmakers whose seats became vacant in the state assembly. However, the exercise drew attention after candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were not listed on the ballot papers.
INEC officials said the polls were conducted in accordance with the electoral timetable and relevant legal provisions, with results collated from designated polling units across the affected constituencies.
Political observers noted that the absence of key opposition contenders significantly shaped the outcome, leaving APC candidates to dominate the contest in the oil-rich state.
Rivers State has in recent months been at the centre of intense political realignments and legal disputes affecting the composition of the state legislature. The latest by-elections are widely seen as part of the ongoing struggle for control of the assembly.
While APC supporters described the victories as a reflection of grassroots backing, opposition figures have yet to issue formal reactions to the outcome of the polls.
INEC is expected to issue certificates of return to the declared winners in the coming days, officially paving the way for their swearing-in as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
