The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against spreading misinformation regarding political defections, particularly those involving lawmakers.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, issued a statement on Friday, responding to claims by Governor Fubara that the commission has been selective in conducting elections to fill legislative vacancies arising from defections.
According to Oyekanmi, while Fubara did not cite specific cases, he accused INEC of deliberately failing to fill vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
“In the midst of this crisis, three lawmakers have declared the seats of 27 members vacant, and vice versa,” Oyekanmi noted.
He emphasized that the Rivers Assembly dispute is currently before the courts, making it legally inappropriate for INEC to act until a final judicial ruling is made.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission has been joined in multiple legal cases, including at the Supreme Court. Until a final judicial pronouncement is made, conducting fresh elections could be a futile exercise and a waste of public funds,” the statement added.
INEC urged political leaders to be mindful of their public statements to avoid misleading citizens and undermining public institutions, particularly when legal proceedings are ongoing.
