INEC Fixes February 21 For Rivers State By-Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled by-elections for the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State to take place on February 21, 2026.

This was announced in a statement released on Monday in Abuja by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee.

Haruna explained that the decision followed an extraordinary meeting held on Monday, during which the commission assessed its readiness for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council end-of-tenure elections, which are also slated for February 21.

He said the meeting also considered and approved the draft timetable and schedule of activities for the by-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies.

Explaining the legal framework for the decision, Haruna cited Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which authorises INEC to determine election dates and conduct by-elections to fill vacant seats.

“The vacancy in the Ahoada East II Constituency arose as a result of the resignation of its member while that of Khana II resulted from the death of its member.
“The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly had since notified the commission of the existence of the vacancies.
“By the Commission’s decision today, the notice for the two elections will be published on Jan. 22, 2026, while political parties will conduct their party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, between Jan. 23 and Jan. 27, 2026.

“Parties and candidates will then commence their campaigns on Feb. 8, 2026 to end on Feb. 19. The elections will hold on Feb. 21, 2026.”