Moses Ofodeme
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started activities for upcoming elections in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Commission to ensure smooth outcome of the elections held an extraordinary meeting on Monday 22nd December 2025.
In addition to reviewing its preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council election for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for 21st February 2026, it considered and approved the Draft Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the conduct of bye-elections into Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
By the provisions of Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which empowers the Commission to fix dates for elections and conduct bye-elections for vacancies arising therefrom, it has fixed 21st February, 2026 for the conduct of the elections into the two State constituencies.
The vacancy in the Ahoada East II Constituency arose as a result of the resignation of its member while that of Khana II resulted from the death of its member.
The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly had since notified the Commission of the existence of the vacancies.
By the Commission’s decision today, the notice for the two elections will be published on 22nd January, 2026, while political parties will conduct their party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, between 23rd and 27th January.
Parties and candidates will then commence their campaigns on 8th February, 2026 to end on February 19th. The elections will hold on 21st February, 2026.