INEC FIXES FEBRUARY 21 FOR RIVERS BYE-ELECTIONS IN AHOADA EAST II, KHANA II

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, February 21, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday following an extraordinary meeting of the Commission held on December 22, 2025, where it reviewed its preparations for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the Rivers bye-elections.

According to the Commission, the decision was taken in line with Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers INEC to fix dates and conduct bye-elections to fill legislative vacancies.

The Commission explained that the vacancy in Ahoada East II Constituency arose from the resignation of its lawmaker, while the Khana II Constituency seat became vacant following the death of its representative. INEC said it was formally notified of the vacancies by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Under the approved timetable, INEC will publish the notice of elections on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes arising from them between January 23 and January 27, 2026.

Campaign by political parties and candidates will commence on February 8, 2026, and end on February 19, 2026, ahead of the polls scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The statement was signed by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee.