INEC Sets February 21 for Rivers By-Elections as Wike's Allies Win APC Nominations

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the by-elections in Rivers State will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This announcement follows the successful nomination of candidates aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

INEC released the information through a Notice of Election, adhering to Section 28(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

As per the commission's statement, the elections will be held in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies, with polling beginning at 8:30 am across designated voting sites.

Only registered voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be permitted to vote, and individuals need to cast their votes at their registered polling units. INEC emphasized its guideline of “no PVC, no voting,” stating that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be in use for voter accreditation.

In this context, Napoleon Ukalikpe, a prominent ally of Wike, has been chosen as the APC candidate for the Ahoada East II by-election, succeeding Edison Ehie, who currently serves as the chief of staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara within the Rivers State House of Assembly. The primary elections for this seat were held on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Bulabari Henrietta Loolo, the widow of the late Dinebari Loolo, emerged triumphant in the APC primary for the Khana II constituency, vying to take over her late husband's position.

While Wike's supporters have taken to social media to express their joy at the election results, Rivers APC chairperson Tony Okocha has yet to make any public remarks regarding the primaries. Meanwhile, backers of Governor Fubara have raised concerns over potential irregularities in the primary process, citing issues including the absence of party leadership during the elections.

In response to the complaints regarding the primaries, the national leadership of the APC has established an appeal committee tasked with addressing and resolving the issues raised by the aspirants, assuring them of a transparent and credible electoral process.