The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled February 21, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
The decision was reached at an extraordinary meeting of the commission held on Monday in Abuja.
INEC also reviewed arrangements for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, which are expected to hold on the same date.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission said it had approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the Rivers bye-elections in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities.
INEC cited Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the commission to fix election dates and conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies arising in legislative houses.
According to the commission, the Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its lawmaker, while the Khana II vacancy resulted from the death of the constituency’s representative.
INEC noted that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the commission of both vacancies.
Under the approved timetable, notice of the elections will be published on January 22, 2026.
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of any disputes, between January 23 and January 27.
Campaign activities will commence on February 8 and end on February 19, ahead of the bye-elections scheduled for February 21.
