Nigeria, Feb. 14 -- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) will not participate in the 21 February bye-election in two constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Gabriel Yomere, disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with security agencies at INEC's office in Port Harcourt, Punch newspaper reported.

Mr Yomere said 12 candidates from seven political parties were cleared to contest the election.

"The nomination forms and the list of candidates that will participate in this election were received by us, and we have also made that public. It is o...