27 Political Parties For ONELGA Polls

The 27 registered political parties in the country, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have indicated interest to participate in the by-elections and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government elections.

The Director of Press, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Mr Sam Woka who confirmed this in an interview yesterday, revealed that the commission, in line with its timetable, has started screening of candidates for the February 23, 2013 and March 2, 2013 elections in the state.

Woka reassured that the commission would adhere strictly with the election timetable released in December 2012, stating that screening of candidates will end February 6, 2012.

He assured that the commission will maintain its credibility and integrity by conducting a free, fair and credible election.

Speaking to The Tide, chairman of Congress of All Political Parties (CPP), Deacon Princewill Enyi, confirmed that all political parties approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would participate in the election, noting that the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government election would be a test for the new RSIEC board.

Enyi said that they have warned all party loyalists to be law abiding during and after the elections.

It would be recalled that in December, 2012, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) released timetable for re-run and by-election in six local government areas, on February 23, 2013 while March 2, 2013 is the date for general elections in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.