The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 23 to January 27, 2026, for political parties to conduct primaries ahead of the February 21 bye-elections into Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Professor Gabriel Yomere, announced this at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday 15 January in Port Harcourt, stressing that the elections will take place across all 242 polling units in the affected areas.
Prof. Yomere urged parties to strictly adhere to their constitutions during the primaries and ensure campaign messages remain issue-based to promote healthy democratic engagement.
The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to credible polls, calling on stakeholders to use the bye-election as a platform to rebuild public confidence in the commission’s ability to deliver transparent exercises in future contests.
In his goodwill message, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olubenga Adepoju, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured that the Nigeria Police Force would provide adequate security to protect lives and property while guaranteeing a peaceful and fair electoral environment.
Also see: Rivers Police Warn Against Violence, Assure Security for Bye-Elections
He appealed to youth, religious, and community leaders to champion messages of peace and mutual respect before, during, and after the polls to avert any breakdown of law and order.
Some stakeholders at the meeting charged INEC to seize the opportunity of the forthcoming bye-elections to demonstrate its readiness for credible elections, reassuring voters of improved preparations and transparency.
The bye-elections became necessary following the resignation of the member for Ahoada East II and the death of the representative for Khana II.
Political parties are expected to submit candidate lists promptly after primaries, with campaigns slated to run from February 8 to February 19, 2026.
