The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims that it rejected the resignation of Edison Ehie as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Recent reports circulating on social media alleged that INEC declined Ehie’s resignation, quoting remarks allegedly made by the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Gabriel Yomere, during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The reports further suggested that the electoral body refused to initiate a by-election to replace him.
However, in a statement released by Geraldine Ekelemu, Acting Head of Voter Education and Publicity at the Rivers State INEC office, the Commission clarified that it does not have the power to declare a legislative seat vacant on its own.
INEC emphasized that only its national headquarters has the authority to conduct a by-election, and this can only be triggered after receiving an official notice from the appropriate legislative body.
The statement read:
“Once a resignation has been signed and transmitted by the authorized legislative authority — in this case, the Rivers State House of Assembly — the Commission will begin the processes required to conduct a by-election in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.”
The Commission also noted that REC Yomere’s remarks during the IPAC meeting were misinterpreted and did not represent INEC’s official position.
Earlier, the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Rivers Assembly had declared Ehie’s seat vacant following his resignation. However, the Supreme Court later ruled that the Oko-Jumbo faction was illegal, which effectively means Ehie remains a lawmaker.
For his resignation to be valid, Ehie would need to resubmit a fresh resignation letter to the Assembly under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, after which it can be formally transmitted to INEC to initiate a by-election for Ahoada East Constituency II.
