The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections into two vacant state constituencies in Rivers State.
The Commission, following an extraordinary meeting held on Monday, December 22, 2025, approved the schedule for the polls into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies.
According to a press statement signed by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, the elections have been fixed for Saturday, 21st February 2026.
The vacancies arose following the resignation of the member representing Ahoada East II and the death of the member representing Khana II. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had duly notified the Commission of the vacancies, invoking the powers granted to INEC under Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to conduct bye-elections.
Key Dates in the Schedule:
· Notice of Election: Wednesday, 22nd January 2026.
· Party Primaries: Thursday, 23rd to Monday, 27th January 2026 (including resolution of disputes).
· Campaigns Commence: Sunday, 8th February 2026.
· Campaigns End: Wednesday, 19th February 2026.
· Election Day: Saturday, 21st February 2026.
The Commission also noted that the meeting reviewed preparations for the forthcoming end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are also scheduled for 21st February 2026, setting the stage for a significant electoral day across two regions.
Political parties in Rivers State are now expected to begin internal preparations to field candidates for the two legislative seats, marking the start of the race to fill the vacancies in the state assembly.
Discussion about this post