The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to political actors and their supporters to embrace peace and restraint as the February 21, 2026, Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections approach.
The call was made by the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by INEC in Port Harcourt.
The meeting brought together leaders of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and members of the media.
The bye-elections are scheduled to be held in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.
While the Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former lawmaker, Edison Ehie, who was appointed Chief of Staff to Siminalayi Fubara, the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the death of its representative, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.
Prof. Yomere said the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a credible, transparent and violence-free poll.
According to the REC, the two constituencies cover 14 wards, with 242 polling units and a total of 112,950 registered voters.
He stressed that peaceful conduct was essential to enable eligible voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
“Effective representation of these constituencies is critical to inclusive governance and democratic stability,” Yomere said, adding that filling the vacant seats remained important for the smooth functioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The REC also briefed participants on preparations for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
During the interactive session, stakeholders urged INEC to guarantee a level playing field for all parties and ensure the neutrality, professionalism and integrity of ad hoc electoral staff.
Speaking for political parties, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, called on contestants to strictly adhere to electoral rules, while Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, emphasised dialogue and restraint as tools for preventing violence.
On security arrangements, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured INEC and stakeholders of the command’s readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections to ensure a hitch-free exercise.