The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled February 21, 2026, for bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State. The decision was reached during an extraordinary commission meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
According to INEC, the vacancy in Ahoada East II followed the resignation of the constituency’s representative, while the Khana II seat became vacant due to the death of its lawmaker.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly had previously notified the commission of the vacancies.
INEC also reviewed preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, slated for the same date.
The commission approved the timetable for the Rivers bye-elections in line with its constitutional mandate under Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The timetable specifies that notice of the elections will be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct primaries, including resolving disputes arising from them, between January 23 and January 27. Campaigns will run from February 8 to February 19, ahead of the polls.
The commission urged political parties and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth electoral process.
