The Independent National Electoral Commission has appealed to political stakeholders and their supporters to embrace peace and responsible behaviour as preparations intensify for the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The call was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Professor Gabriel Yomere, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission in Port Harcourt.
The engagement attracted representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions, youth organisations, and the media.
The forthcoming bye-elections will take place in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II. The Ahoada-East II seat became vacant after its former representative, Edison Ehie, resigned following his appointment as Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In Khana Constituency II, the vacancy has persisted since the passing of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Speaking to participants, Professor Yomere said the engagement was aimed at deepening cooperation among key stakeholders to deliver a credible, transparent, and violence-free electoral process. He revealed that the two constituencies cover 14 wards, comprising 242 polling units, with a total registered voter population of 112,950.
The REC underscored the importance of peaceful participation, noting that only a calm environment would allow eligible voters to exercise their civic rights without intimidation or fear.
He also highlighted the urgency of filling the vacant legislative seats, stressing that proper representation of the affected constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly is essential for inclusive governance and democratic stability.
Professor Yomere further briefed attendees on ongoing preparations for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, assuring stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to improving voter participation.
During the interactive segment, participants urged INEC to provide a level playing field for all political parties and to ensure that ad-hoc electoral officials uphold neutrality, professionalism, and integrity.
Representing political parties, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, called on contestants to strictly observe the rules guiding the process. In the same vein, the Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, advocated dialogue and restraint as effective tools for preventing election-related violence.
On security preparations, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured INEC and other stakeholders of the Command’s readiness to deploy adequate security before, during, and after the polls to guarantee a smooth and credible exercise.
What you should know
The Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections are intended to fill long-vacant seats in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, restoring full legislative representation.
INEC’s emphasis on peace reflects concerns over past electoral tensions in the state and the need for cooperation among political actors, security agencies, and civil society.
With over 112,000 registered voters involved, the success of the elections will depend largely on stakeholder commitment to non-violence, transparency, and adherence to electoral rules, alongside effective security deployment and credible voter registration processes.
