The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political actors and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully as the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections on February 21, 2026, approach. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully as the February 21, 2026, Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections draw near.
The appeal was made by Professor Gabriel Yomere, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, at a state-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Commission in Port Harcourt.
The forum brought together political party leaders, security officials, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups, and media representatives.
Bye-elections are scheduled for Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.
While the Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former occupant, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Khana II seat has been vacant since the death of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Speaking to stakeholders, Professor Yomere explained that the engagement was intended to strengthen collaboration among critical actors and ensure a credible, transparent, and violence-free electoral process.
According to the REC, the two constituencies include 14 wards, 242 polling units, and a registered voter population of 112,950.
He emphasised the importance of peaceful participation, which allows eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
Professor Yomere emphasised the importance of filling the vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that effective representation of the affected constituencies is critical to inclusive governance and democratic stability.
He also took the opportunity to inform participants about the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
During the interactive session, stakeholders urged INEC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and to ensure the impartiality, professionalism, and integrity of ad hoc electoral personnel.
Speaking on behalf of political parties, Nnanna Onyekwere, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, urged all contestants to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement, while Obinna Ebogidi, Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, emphasised dialogue and restraint as critical tools for preventing electoral violence.
On security arrangements, the state’s Commissioner of Police, represented by a Chief Superintendent of Police, James Njoku, assured INEC and other stakeholders that the Command was ready to provide adequate security before, during, and after the elections to ensure a smooth operation.
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