By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, Dec. 22, 2025 (NAN) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially set Saturday, February 21, 2026, as the date for conducting by-elections to fill legislative vacancies in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State. This announcement, made during an extraordinary meeting of the commission, underscores INEC’s constitutional mandate to ensure timely representation in the state’s legislature.
The decision was disclosed in a statement by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee. Haruna clarified that the commission’s authority to fix such dates is derived from Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers it to conduct elections to fill vacancies that arise between general election cycles.
Context and Significance of the Vacancies
The vacancies triggering these polls stem from distinct circumstances, highlighting the two primary paths to a by-election. The seat for Ahoada East II Constituency became vacant following the resignation of its member, while the Khana II Constituency seat is open due to the death of its representative. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally notified INEC of these vacancies, initiating the constitutional process for replacement.
These by-elections are more than administrative formalities. They are critical for ensuring continuous and effective representation for the constituents of these areas. A vacant seat means no legislator is present to sponsor bills, advocate for local projects, or participate in committee work directly affecting these communities. The outcomes will also be closely watched as a barometer of the current political dynamics within Rivers State, a key political battleground in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
Detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities
INEC has approved a comprehensive timetable to guide the electoral process, ensuring transparency and allowing political parties adequate preparation time. The key milestones are as follows:
- Publication of Official Notice: January 22, 2026. This formal announcement marks the official commencement of the electoral process.
- Party Primaries and Dispute Resolution: January 23 – 27, 2026. This five-day window is when political parties will select their flag bearers. Crucially, the schedule mandates that all internal disputes arising from these primaries must be resolved within this period, a rule designed to prevent protracted litigation from disrupting the main election calendar.
- Campaign Period: February 8 – 19, 2026. Candidates and parties are permitted to publicly campaign for exactly 12 days. The campaign cessation on February 19 provides a two-day cooling-off period before election day, a standard practice aimed at reducing tensions and allowing for last-minute logistical preparations.
- Election Day: February 21, 2026. Polling units will open for voters to cast their ballots and decide their new representatives.
Broader Electoral Context
It is noteworthy that February 21, 2026, is already slated for the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). By scheduling the Rivers by-elections for the same date, INEC is likely optimizing its logistical and security resources. Conducting multiple elections on a single day can improve cost-efficiency and allow for a more concentrated deployment of personnel and materials, though it also requires meticulous planning to avoid confusion.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders—including political parties, civil society organizations, and the electorate—will be monitoring INEC’s adherence to this timetable and its preparations to ensure a free, fair, and credible poll. These by-elections serve as a mid-term test for the electoral system and a pivotal moment for the people of Ahoada East II and Khana II to reclaim their voice in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
(NAN) / www.nannews.ng
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
