- During the interactive session, participants urged INEC to ensure fairness among political parties and uphold the neutrality
- Nnanna Onyekwere, called for strict compliance with electoral guidelines by all contestants
- The forthcoming bye-elections will be conducted in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace as preparations intensify for the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the call was made by the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Gabriel Yomere, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission in Port Harcourt.
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The engagement brought together representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, youth groups and the media as part of efforts to ensure an orderly electoral process.
The forthcoming bye-elections will be conducted in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II, both of which have remained without representation in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
INEC explained that the Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its lawmaker, Edison Ehie, who was later appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the Khana II seat has been unoccupied since the death of its representative, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Addressing participants, Professor Yomere said the stakeholders’ forum was aimed at fostering cooperation among key actors and reinforcing INEC’s commitment to delivering a transparent, credible and violence-free election.
He disclosed that the two constituencies cover 14 wards with a total of 242 polling units and a registered voter strength of 112,950, stressing that peaceful conduct was essential to allow voters to participate freely without intimidation.
The REC underscored the importance of filling the vacant seats, noting that proper representation of the affected constituencies is vital to democratic governance and legislative effectiveness in the state.
Yomere also briefed stakeholders on ongoing preparations for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
During the interactive session, participants urged INEC to ensure fairness among political parties and uphold the neutrality, professionalism and integrity of its ad-hoc staff throughout the election period.
Speaking on behalf of political parties, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, called for strict compliance with electoral guidelines by all contestants, while Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, advocated dialogue and restraint as critical tools for preventing electoral violence.
On security, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured stakeholders that adequate security measures would be deployed before, during and after the polls to ensure a smooth and peaceful exercise.
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