Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to the people of Rivers State to actively engage in the bye-election slated for Saturday, February 21, encouraging broad participation in the democratic process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is preparing to hold polls across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, in addition to bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State. Similar elections will also take place in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the Rivers State governor specifically called on qualified voters in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas to come out in large numbers and exercise their civic rights.
He characterised the contest as an internal matter and urged residents to rally behind candidates of the All Progressives Congress seeking to fill the two vacant seats in the State House of Assembly.
Fubara further emphasised the need for calm and order throughout the electoral exercise, advising citizens to conduct themselves responsibly.
“Everybody should be law-abiding and avoid doing anything that will disturb the peace during the exercise. It is actually a family election and there is no need for rancour and acrimony,” he said.
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu also appealed for peaceful and organised conduct during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano State and Rivers State.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President encouraged security agencies to act with professionalism and restraint, while also urging the electoral commission to reinforce public trust in the credibility of the process.
“President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasising that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect,” the statement read.
He called on voters, law enforcement personnel and officials of the electoral body to discharge their duties with composure and professionalism.
The President reiterated his appeal for citizens to participate confidently, noting that democracy flourishes when elections are conducted in an environment defined by peace, understanding and respect for differing views.
He also cautioned political parties, aspirants and their supporters against engaging in violence, provocative statements or any behaviour that could compromise the integrity of the polls.
Tinubu warned security operatives against excessive force, intimidation or actions capable of preventing voters from exercising their rights, stressing that their primary responsibility is to protect lives and property while preserving the sanctity of the ballot.
Additionally, he urged the electoral commission to implement measures that would strengthen voter confidence, including prompt accreditation, seamless voting procedures, accurate collation and swift transmission of results in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to back institutions tasked with delivering transparent, credible and fair elections, expressing optimism that the outcome of the polls would represent the true will of the electorate and further consolidate Nigeria’s democratic system.
What You Should Know
INEC is conducting bye-elections in Rivers State, Kano State and across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has encouraged voters in Ahoada East and Khana to support APC candidates and maintain peace during the exercise.
President Bola Tinubu has also called for calm, professionalism from security agencies, and transparency from the electoral commission in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
