The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Rivers State says it has put necessary measures in place ahead of the June 20, 2026 Rivers South-East Senatorial bye-election.
Speaking during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikem, said the exercise would take place in 88 wards and 1,629 polling units across seven local government areas, including Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Khana, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, and Tai.
Dr. Sinikem explained that the bye-election became necessary following the death of the senator who previously represented the district.
According to him, the commission has already published the Notice of Election at the state office and in all affected local government areas in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
He also disclosed that INEC would hold a stakeholders’ meeting on June 2 in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, as part of efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The REC noted that political party primaries were currently ongoing and expected to end on Tuesday, May 26, while submission of nomination forms by political parties through the INEC portal would commence on May 29.
Dr. Sinikem reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and credible election, urging political parties, voters, youths, the media, and security agencies to cooperate with INEC for a successful poll.
