The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled Saturday, February 21, 2026, for bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
INEC disclosed this in a statement on Monday after an extraordinary meeting where the Commission approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the polls.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections slated for the same date.
According to INEC, the Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its lawmaker, while the Khana II vacancy resulted from the death of its representative.
The Commission noted that it was formally notified of both vacancies by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The Commission, acting under the powers conferred on it by Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), has fixed February 21, 2026, for the conduct of the bye-elections,” INEC said.
INEC explained that the official notice of the elections will be published on January 22, 2026.
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and resolve any disputes arising from them between January 23 and January 27.
Campaign activities, the Commission added, will commence on February 8 and end at midnight on February 19, 2026, ahead of the elections two days later.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, said the Commission was committed to ensuring a transparent and credible process.
“The Commission has approved a clear timetable to guide all stakeholders and ensure the smooth conduct of the bye-elections in the two state constituencies,” Haruna said.
He urged political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the guidelines and timelines outlined by the Commission.
