The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that bye-elections will be held for the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State on 21 February 2026.
The decision was taken during the commission’s extraordinary meeting held on Monday, where INEC also assessed the level of preparedness for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for the same day.
INEC stated that the conduct of the bye-elections is in line with Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowers the commission to organise elections to fill vacant seats in state houses of assembly.
The Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of the lawmaker who previously represented the constituency. In contrast, the Khana II seat was declared vacant after the death of its occupant.
The commission confirmed that it has received official notification of both vacancies from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, paving the way for the conduct of the polls.
