T£nsion Rises As INEC Urges Peace Before Rivers Assembly Elections

Tension Rises As INEC Urges Peace Before Rivers Assembly Elections

According to Ireporter Online, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political stakeholders and their supporters to maintain peace and exercise restraint ahead of the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. TV Networks & Stations

The appeal was made by the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Gabriel Yomere, during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by INEC in Port Harcourt. The engagement attracted representatives of political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions, youth organisations and members of the media.

The bye-elections will take place in Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II. The Ahoada-East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former occupant, Edison Ehie, who was recently appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Meanwhile, the Khana II seat has remained vacant since the passing of its lawmaker, Dinebari Loolo, in September 2023.

Professor Yomere explained that the meeting was aimed at fostering collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure a transparent, credible and violence-free electoral process. He disclosed that the two constituencies comprise 14 wards, 242 polling units and a total of 112,950 registered voters.

Emphasising the importance of peace, the REC noted that a calm environment was necessary to allow voters to participate freely without fear or intimidation. He added that filling the vacant legislative seats was vital for effective representation, inclusive governance and the smooth operation of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The electoral umpire also briefed attendees on ongoing preparations for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

During the interactive session, stakeholders urged INEC to guarantee fairness in the conduct of the elections, while also calling for neutrality, professionalism and integrity from ad hoc electoral officials. Speaking on behalf of political parties, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Rivers State, Nnanna Onyekwere, appealed to contestants to comply strictly with electoral guidelines.

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In the same vein, the Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, stressed the need for dialogue and restraint to prevent electoral violence. On security arrangements, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police James Njoku, assured participants of the police command’s readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the polls to ensure a smooth exercise.