… following resignation of Edison, death of Khana II member
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, February 21, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
INEC disclosed this in a press statement issued on Monday, December 22, 2025, following an extraordinary meeting of the Commission held the same day.
According to the statement, the Commission approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the bye-elections after reviewing preparations for the forthcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for February 21, 2026.
INEC explained that the decision was taken pursuant to Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the Commission to fix dates and conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies in legislative houses.
The vacancy in Ahoada East II State Constituency arose from the resignation of its member, Ehie Edison, who served as Speaker of the House of Assembly during the assembly crisis, while the vacancy in Khana II resulted from the death of the serving lawmaker, Emmanuel Nule Ben. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the Commission of the two vacancies.
The Commission announced that the notice of election for both constituencies will be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, between January 23 and January 27, 2026.
Campaign activities by political parties and candidates will commence on February 8, 2026, and end at midnight on February 19, 2026, ahead of the polls scheduled for February 21.
The statement was signed by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee.
