INEC has begun distributing sensitive materials for the Rivers bye-election in the South-East senatorial district, with the Resident Electoral Commissioner expressing full readiness for a credible and peaceful vote on Saturday
In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on Thursday 18 June 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission began distributing sensitive electoral materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria office for Saturday’s Rivers South-East senatorial bye-election.
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Dr Johnson Alalibo, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, personally oversaw the exercise and assured stakeholders that all materials remained intact and secure without any tampering.
He confirmed that the ballot papers and result sheets would be transported under heavy security to the seven local government areas participating in the poll.
Alalibo expressed strong confidence in INEC’s preparedness to deliver a credible, transparent and peaceful election.
“All sensitive materials were properly secured and remained intact,” he told journalists at the distribution point.
He urged political party agents and election observers to remain vigilant and ensure the integrity of the process.
The exercise was witnessed by INEC National Commissioner supervising Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States, Prof. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
RECs from Katsina, Kano and Adamawa States, along with party agents, security officials and other stakeholders, also observed the sorting and preparation of materials.
This bye-election comes after the vacancy in the Rivers South-East senatorial seat.
INEC’s timely distribution of materials is seen as a critical step in maintaining public trust in the electoral process, especially in a politically active state like Rivers.
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Dr Alalibo called on all parties to cooperate fully, describing the distribution as a key milestone that demonstrates the commission’s commitment to conducting a flawless exercise on Saturday.
