By Nworisa Michael
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled bye-elections for two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The polls are set to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies.
According to INEC’s timetable and schedule of activities, the electoral exercise will fill the vacancies created by separate events that left the seats unrepresented. The Ahoada East II seat fell vacant following the resignation of its former member, Edison Ehie, while the Khana II seat became vacant after the passing of its lawmaker, Dunebari Loolo.
In preparation for the bye-elections, INEC has opened its media accreditation portal for organisations interested in covering the polls, with accreditation set to close ahead of the election date.
Political activity has already begun in earnest across the two constituencies. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted internal congresses and primary elections to select its candidates for the polls. Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have secured the APC tickets in both areas, with Napoleon Ukalikpe emerging as the party’s candidate for Ahoada East II and Bulabari Loolo, the wife of the late lawmaker, winning the ticket in Khana II.
The outcome of the APC primaries has attracted attention, sparking discussions within the party’s local structures, particularly around internal alignments between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures. Some party members have described the results as a strategic victory for Wike’s loyalists within Rivers politics.
As the February 21 poll approaches, INEC and security agencies are expected to put measures in place to ensure that the bye-elections are conducted in a credible, peaceful and transparent manner. The commission has urged eligible voters in both constituencies to turn out early and participate fully in the democratic exercise.