The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political stakeholders and their supporters to maintain peace as the February 21, 2026, Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections approach.
The call was made by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Professor Gabriel Yomere, at a state-level stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission in Port Harcourt.
The engagement brought together representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, youth groups and the media.
The bye-elections are scheduled to hold in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.
INEC explained that the Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its lawmaker, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the death of its representative, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Addressing participants, Professor Yomere said the stakeholders’ forum was aimed at deepening collaboration among key actors to guarantee a credible, transparent and violence-free electoral process.
The REC disclosed that the two constituencies span 14 wards, comprising 242 polling units with a total of 112,950 registered voters.
He underscored the need for peaceful participation to allow eligible voters to cast their ballots freely without fear or intimidation.
Professor Yomere also highlighted the importance of filling the vacant seats, noting that proper representation of the affected constituencies in the Rivers State House of Assembly is essential for inclusive governance and democratic stability.
He further briefed stakeholders on arrangements for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
During the interactive session, stakeholders called on INEC to provide a level playing field for all political parties and to ensure neutrality, professionalism and integrity among ad-hoc electoral staff.
Speaking for political parties, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, urged contestants to strictly observe the rules of engagement, while Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, stressed dialogue and restraint as critical to preventing electoral violence.
On security, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured stakeholders of the Command’s preparedness to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections to ensure a smooth process.