The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled the 21st of February 2026 as the date for bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
The announcement followed an extraordinary meeting of the Commission, where the comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities were ratified. In a formal dispatch released on Monday, Mohammed Haruna, Chairperson of the Information, Voter Education, and Publicity Committee, confirmed that the decision was taken in accordance with Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The forthcoming polls seek to fill vacancies created by disparate circumstances: the resignation of the representative for Ahoada East II and the regrettable passing of the member representing Khana II. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally appraised the Commission of these openings.
Of particular note is the vacancy in Ahoada East II, which arose following the resignation of Edison Ehie, a former factional Speaker of the Assembly. Mr Ehie’s departure was a central component of the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at de-escalating the protracted political hostilities between the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Following his resignation, Mr Ehie was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor.
The Commission has outlined a stringent timeline for the electoral process:
- 22 January 2026: Formal publication of the Notice of Election.
- 23 – 27 January 2026: Conduct of party primaries and resolution of subsequent disputes.
- 8 February 2026: Commencement of official campaigning.
- 19 February 2026: Cessation of all campaign activities at midnight.
- Saturday, 21 February 2026: Polling day.
These bye-elections are poised to serve as a significant litmus test for the recalibrated political landscape in the South-South region. The state has recently witnessed a dramatic realignment following Governor Fubara’s transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite the current composition of the Assembly comprising 16 APC members and 10 PDP members allegiances remain complex, with a significant majority of the twenty-six lawmakers maintaining steadfast loyalty to the FCT Minister. While the outcome of these two seats is unlikely to alter the fundamental arithmetic of the Assembly, the elections will provide a crucial barometer of public sentiment amidst the ongoing struggle for political hegemony in the oil-rich state.
INEC has assured the public that further updates will be provided as preparations for the February polls advance.
