The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured stakeholders that all sensitive electoral materials meant for Saturday's Rivers South-East Senatorial District bye-election remain secure and untampered with, as security agencies intensify preparations for the exercise.
Distribution of Sensitive Materials
Speaking during the distribution of sensitive election materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo, stated that the commission had put all necessary measures in place to ensure a credible, transparent and hitch-free election.
Dr. Alalibo said the sensitive materials would be transported under strict security arrangements to the seven local government areas participating in the poll, namely Andoni, Tai, Khana, Gokana, Eleme, Oyigbo and Opobo/Nkoro.
He reassured political parties, election observers and other stakeholders that the commission was fully prepared for the exercise and urged all participants in the electoral process to remain vigilant. According to him, collective responsibility is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the election and preventing any attempt by individuals or groups to compromise the process.
Police Impose Movement Restrictions
The REC's assurances came as the Rivers State Police Command announced a restriction of movement across the seven local government areas covered by the bye-election. In a statement, the command said movement of persons, vehicles and motorcycles would be prohibited from midnight on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
The police explained that the restriction was designed to create a secure environment for voters, electoral officials and election materials while preventing violence, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice that could undermine the credibility of the poll.
Despite the restriction, essential personnel including INEC officials, security operatives on election duty, ambulance operators, firefighters and other approved service providers will be exempted and allowed to move within the affected areas.
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, called on political parties, candidates and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the law. He warned that the command would not tolerate any form of election-related violence or activities capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.
Stakeholders Urge Peaceful Conduct
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has urged all stakeholders to view the election as an opportunity to demonstrate Rivers State's commitment to democratic values and peaceful electoral conduct. In an advisory issued ahead of the poll, the group cautioned against complacency despite the relatively low level of political tension surrounding the bye-election compared to general elections.
The Convener of the organisation, Obinna Ebogidi, noted that every election remains a critical democratic exercise through which citizens express their choices and therefore deserves to be protected through transparency, professionalism and public confidence.
The group commended INEC for repeatedly assuring stakeholders of its readiness and urged the commission to maintain high standards in the deployment of personnel and materials, adherence to electoral guidelines and transparent management of results.
RPI also called on security agencies to remain neutral, professional and vigilant throughout the election, particularly in areas experiencing communal tensions or security concerns. According to the organisation, the safety of National Youth Service Corps members serving as ad hoc staff, election officials, observers, journalists and voters must remain paramount.
The group further appealed to political parties and candidates to refrain from actions capable of inciting violence, intimidation or manipulation, stressing that electoral victories must be earned through the people's mandate rather than coercion.
Describing the bye-election as significant ahead of preparations for the 2027 General Elections, the organisation said the conduct of the poll would attract attention from citizens, political actors, civil society groups and the international community. RPI urged eligible voters not to remain indifferent but to participate peacefully in the electoral process, noting that democracy thrives when citizens actively exercise their civic responsibilities.
