By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reviewed its preparations for the end-of-tenure Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
This was in a statement by Malam Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of the vommission’s Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee
According to the statement, the review formed part of deliberations at an extraordinary meeting of the Commission, during which INEC also considered and approved the draft timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of bye-elections into the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies of Rivers State.
Pursuant to Section 116 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the Commission to fix dates for elections and conduct bye-elections to fill legislative vacancies, INEC fixed Saturday, February 21, 2026, for the conduct of the two bye-elections.
The vacancy in Ahoada East II State Constituency followed the resignation of its member, while that of Khana II State Constituency resulted from the death of its representative.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally notified the Commission of both vacancies.
According to the approved timetable, the Notice of Elections will be published on January 22, 2026. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the process, between January 23 and January 27, 2026.
Campaign activities by political parties and candidates will commence on February 8, 2026, and end at midnight on February 19, 2026, ahead of the elections scheduled for February 21.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in line with constitutional provisions.
