The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has formally presented a Certificate of Return to Sir Napoleon Ukalikpe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the February 21, 2026, bye-election into the Rivers State House of Assembly for Ahoada East Constituency II.
The presentation ceremony, which also included the presentation of the certificate for Hon. Mrs Henrietta Bulabari (Loolo Bulabari Henrietta) of Khana Constituency II, marked the official conclusion of the Rivers State bye-elections conducted by INEC.
Sir Ukalikpe, who polled 3,980 votes to emerge victorious in a largely peaceful poll that saw limited participation from major opposition parties, dedicated his triumph to God, the people of Rivers State, and particularly the residents of Ahoada East Constituency II.
He expressed gratitude to all who worked to ensure the people’s will prevailed and commended INEC and security agencies for their roles in safeguarding democracy.
Sir Ukalikpe praised the effort of his constituents in resisting electoral violence and maintaining order during the exercise.
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INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, while handing over the certificates, described the presentation as the formal end of the 2026 bye-election cycle in the state.
He assured that future elections in Rivers would continue to be conducted peacefully.
The event drew a number of dignitaries who accompanied the member-elect, including Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, Executive Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area; the Rivers State APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, represented by the State APC Secretary; Hon. (Barr) Ben Eke, former Executive Chairman of Ahoada East LGA; Hon. Chisa Ogboka, an APC chieftain in Ahoada East; Hon. Kingsley Igwe, former Councillor for Ward 10 in Ahoada East LGA; and several other friends and well-wishers.
The bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II followed vacancies in the state assembly, with the APC securing both seats amid a generally calm atmosphere and commendations for the commission’s conduct.
