INEC Distributes Materials for Rivers Senatorial Bye-Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the distribution of sensitive materials for the Rivers senatorial bye-election on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This election is to fill the vacancy created by the death of former senator Barinada Mpigi, who passed away in a London hospital in February.

A total of 858,573 registered voters are expected to participate in the election, which will take place across 1,629 polling units in the Rivers South East senatorial district. Johnson Sinikiem, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, confirmed that the sensitive electoral materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, were inspected at the Central Bank of Nigeria's zonal headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Party agents from various political parties were allowed to scrutinize the materials to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The bye-election will cover seven local government areas within the district, including Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, and Oyigbo.