INEC sets February 21 for Rivers bye-elections, releases timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of by-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

The approval followed an extraordinary meeting of the commission held on Monday, December 22, 2025, according to a statement signed by Mohammed Haruna, chairman of the Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee.

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INEC said the by-elections would hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in line with Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the commission to fix dates for elections and conduct by-elections to fill vacancies.

The commission explained that the vacancy in Ahoada East II arose from the resignation of the sitting lawmaker, while the Khana II vacancy resulted from the death of the incumbent member.

INEC said the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the commission of the vacancies.

According to the approved timetable, the notice of election will be published on January 22, 2026.

Political parties are to conduct primaries, including the resolution of disputes, between January 23 and January 27, 2026. Campaign activities will commence on February 8 and end at midnight on February 19, 2026, ahead of the polls scheduled for February 21.

INEC also noted that the meeting reviewed preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, which are scheduled to hold on the same date.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC

Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications

She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet.

An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.

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