By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, 21st February 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State, following vacancies in the State House of Assembly.
The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the Commission held on Monday, 22nd December 2025, during which INEC also reviewed its preparations for the forthcoming end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory scheduled for the same date.
In an official statement signed by the Chairman of the Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, the Commission explained that the dates were fixed in accordance with Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers INEC to fix dates for elections and conduct bye-elections whenever vacancies arise.
According to the Commission, the vacancy in Ahoada East II State Constituency occurred following the resignation of its elected member, while the vacancy in Khana II State Constituency resulted from the death of the incumbent lawmaker. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified INEC of the vacancies, thereby activating the constitutional process for conducting the bye-elections.
INEC disclosed that the official notice of the elections will be published on 22nd January 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of any disputes arising from the exercise, between 23rd and 27th January 2026.
Campaign activities by political parties and candidates will commence on 8th February and end on 19th February 2026, ahead of the elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February 2026.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the bye-elections in a transparent, credible, and peaceful manner, while urging political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timetable and guidelines to ensure a smooth electoral process.
