The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled February 21, 2026, for bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of the commission held on Monday in Abuja.
INEC said the meeting also assessed preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, which are due to hold on the same day.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of the Commission’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, the electoral body said it approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the Rivers State bye-elections in line with its constitutional responsibilities.
The commission cited “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.”
INEC stated that it has “fixed 21st February, 2026, for the conduct of the elections into the two state constituencies.”
According to the commission, the vacancy in Ahoada East II resulted from the resignation of the lawmaker representing the constituency, while the seat in Khana II became vacant following the death of its representative.
It added that “the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly had since notified the commission of the existence of the vacancies.”
Under the approved timetable, INEC said the notice of election will be issued on January 22, 2026. Political parties are to hold their primaries and resolve any disputes arising from the process between January 23 and January 27.
Campaign activities are scheduled to begin on February 8 and will end on February 19, ahead of the polls on February 21.