Nigeria’s electoral commission has fixed February 21, 2026 as the date for bye elections in two constituencies of Rivers State, as the oil rich state continues efforts to restore legislative stability after months of political unrest.

The Independent National Electoral Commission said the polls will be held in Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies. The announcement followed an extraordinary meeting of the commission where the timetable and schedule of activities for the elections were approved.

Mohammed Haruna, who chairs INEC’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee, said the decision was taken in line with constitutional provisions that empower the commission to conduct elections to fill vacant legislative seats.

He said the vacancy in Ahoada East II arose after the resignation of its lawmaker, while the Khana II seat became vacant following the death of its representative. The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally notified the commission of both vacancies.

INEC said the notice of election for the two constituencies will be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between January 23 and 27, including the resolution of any disputes that may arise from the process.

Campaign activities are scheduled to begin on February 8 and will end at midnight on February 19, giving parties less than two weeks to canvass support ahead of the vote.

The Ahoada East II vacancy is closely linked to the political crisis that rocked Rivers State in 2024 and 2025. Edison Ehie, a former factional Speaker of the state assembly, resigned his seat as part of a peace agreement aimed at ending a prolonged feud within the state’s political leadership.

The dispute pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis split the House of Assembly into rival factions and stalled legislative business for months.

Tensions escalated during standoff

Tensions escalated during the standoff, with impeachment threats, arson attacks on some local government secretariats and rising security concerns across parts of the state. President Bola Tinubu eventually intervened, declaring a six month state of emergency and brokering talks between the opposing camps.

After his resignation, Ehie was appointed chief of staff to Governor Fubara, a move seen by supporters as part of efforts to stabilise governance.

INEC said it will deploy personnel and materials in line with its guidelines, adding that it expects political parties and security agencies to play their roles to ensure peaceful and credible elections in the two constituencies.