Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced February 21, 2026, as the date for the conduct of bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State, signaling a fresh opportunity for residents to fill vacant seats in the State House of Assembly.
Chairman, Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
He said the decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the Commission held on Monday, December 22, 2025, where INEC reviewed its electoral calendar and approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the two bye-elections.
According to the Commission, the elections are being conducted in line 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 for vacancies arising therefrom.”
Malami Haruna explained that the vacancy in Ahoada East II followed the resignation of its representative, while the Khana II seat became vacant due to the death of its member. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the Commission of both vacancies.
Outlining the election roadmap, he disclosed that the official notice of the elections will be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the process, between January 23 and January 27.
Campaign activities, the Commission said, will commence on February 8 and end at midnight on February 19, ahead of the polls scheduled for “Saturday, 21st February, 2026.”
With the timetable now set, INEC urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in the two constituencies.