INEC Prepares for Rivers State By-Elections on Feb 21

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its readiness to conduct by-elections in Rivers State on February 21, 2026, specifically for the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies. A press statement signed by Geraldin Ekelemu, the head of voter education and public relations for INEC in Rivers State, confirmed that the elections will commence with voter accreditation at 8:30 AM.

Voters must possess a valid Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to participate, as INEC has reiterated that "no PVC, no vote." Notably, significant political parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) are absent from the list of parties participating in these elections. Other parties included in the electoral process are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance, Young Progressives Party (YPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and Action Peoples Movement (APM).

The announcement has raised concerns regarding the absence of major political players in the upcoming elections.