Abe urges Nigerians to trust the electoral process and praises INEC for the Rivers by‑election

By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt

Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, urged Nigerians at home and abroad to maintain confidence in the country’s electoral process to strengthen democracy.

Abe made the call following the successful conduct of the Rivers South East Senatorial District bye‑election held over the weekend.

He said the turnout of voters despite heavy rainfall demonstrated the public’s willingness to participate in the democratic process and confidence in elections.

“I want to thank the people and enjoin all Nigerians to have faith in our electioneering process, as the process went on smoothly, transparently, freely and fairly,” he said.

Abe encouraged citizens to actively participate in elections rather than relying on social media narratives, stressing that votes cast at polling units remain the true expression of the people’s will.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its performance during the exercise, noting improvements compared to previous elections and urging further enhancements ahead of 2027.

Abe congratulated the senator‑elect, Olaka Nwogu, on his victory, urging him to be magnanimous in victory and to recognise the commitment of voters who turned out despite the rain to exercise their civic duty.