The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Saturday, February 21, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.

The decision was announced in Abuja on Monday following an extraordinary meeting of the commission. A statement issued by the Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that the commission approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the by-elections.

Haruna explained that the commission also reviewed preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are equally slated for February 21, 2026.

According to him, INEC derived its powers to fix election dates and conduct by-elections from Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the vacancy in Ahoada East II followed the resignation of the constituency’s representative, while the Khana II seat became vacant due to the death of its lawmaker.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the commission of the vacancies.

Haruna added that the official notice for the by-elections would be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and resolve related disputes between January 23 and January 27, 2026. Campaign activities will commence on February 8 and end on February 19, ahead of the polls scheduled for February 21, 2026.

[NAN]