The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the forthcoming bye-elections in Rivers State, scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026, with a firm warning against electoral violence.
At a State-level Stakeholders Interactive Forum held on Thursday in Port Harcourt, INEC briefed political parties, security agencies and civil society groups on arrangements for the polls, which will fill vacant seats in the Ahoada-East II and Khana II State Constituencies of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Yomere, assured stakeholders that the commission is fully prepared to deliver a credible, free and fair election. He disclosed that sensitive and non-sensitive materials would be distributed early to ensure a smooth voting process on election day.
A major focus of the meeting was the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Prof. Yomere explained that INEC plans to decentralise the exercise by rotating registration across Registration Areas and wards in all 23 local government areas of the state, to boost voter participation at the grassroots.
He also called on political parties to strengthen internal democracy and prioritise issue-based campaigns, stressing that peaceful conduct by all stakeholders is critical to the success of the election.
Security agencies, particularly the Rivers State Police Command, reiterated their readiness to maintain law and order. Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CSP James Njoku warned that the police would not tolerate violence, ballot box snatching or any form of electoral malpractice.
He assured that adequate security personnel would be deployed to safeguard voters, INEC officials and election observers, adding that anyone found breaching the Electoral Act or inciting violence would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and several civil society organisations welcomed INEC’s plans, especially the decision to take voter registration closer to communities. Rivers State IPAC Chairman, Dr Nnanna Onyekwere, praised the improved collaboration between INEC and political parties and pledged the council’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process.
As the bye-elections draw nearer, religious leaders, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and community stakeholders echoed a collective appeal for a transparent, credible and violence-free exercise across the state.
