The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace and exercise restraint as the February 21, 2026, Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections draw closer.
The appeal was made by the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC in Port Harcourt.
The engagement brought together representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, youth groups, and the media.
The bye-elections will be conducted in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II. The Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former lawmaker, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the death of its representative, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Prof. Yomere said the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at strengthening cooperation to ensure a credible, transparent, and violence-free election. He disclosed that the two constituencies comprise 14 wards, 242 polling units, and a total of 112,950 registered voters.
He emphasised that peaceful conduct was crucial to allow eligible voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation, noting that effective representation in the affected constituencies is vital for inclusive governance and democratic stability.
The REC also briefed participants on preparations for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
During the interactive session, stakeholders appealed to INEC to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties and ensure the neutrality, professionalism, and integrity of ad hoc electoral personnel.
Speaking on behalf of political parties, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, urged contestants to strictly comply with electoral guidelines. Similarly, Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, stressed the importance of dialogue and restraint in preventing election-related violence.
On security, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured stakeholders of the police command’s preparedness to provide adequate security before, during, and after the elections to ensure a smooth and credible process.