APC poised for easy win in Rivers bye-elections as PDP, ADC sit out

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conduct bye-elections today, February 21, 2026, to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, covering Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.

According to the list released by INEC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are not participating in the elections, having failed to submit candidates for the two constituencies.

The contesting parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Boot Party (BP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

With the absence of the PDP and ADC, political observers say the race appears tilted in favour of the APC, particularly against the backdrop of easing political tensions in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is reportedly working more closely with members of the House of Assembly, while growing cooperation among political leaders is seen as strengthening the ruling party’s position.

Although the PDP is not on the ballot, some of its members are believed to be aligning with APC leaders under what has been described as a “rainbow coalition,” reportedly championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In Ahoada East Constituency II, the APC is fielding Ukalikpe Napoleon Nyemodumakpo, described by party loyalists as a grassroots mobiliser.

In Khana Constituency II, the party’s candidate is Loolo Bulabari Henrietta, widow of the late lawmaker who represented the area until his death. She is said to be enjoying significant support, particularly among women.

Other candidates in Ahoada East Constituency II are Egor Marvelous (AA), Godstime Egor (APM), Oseja Clifford (BP), Ephraim Raphael Ede (NNPP), Ogide Greatman (YPP), and Okwudi Prosper (ZLP).

In Khana Constituency II, other contenders include Nwakpang Victor (AA), Yormii Barasima (NNPP), Celestine Gideon (YPP), and Anthony Ndor (ZLP).

Despite projections favouring the APC, some stakeholders have cautioned against overconfidence, pointing to possible dissatisfaction among supporters of certain political figures. One of them is Edison Ehie, a former Majority Leader in the House of Assembly who later served as Chief of Staff before reportedly losing the position.

Analysts suggest his influence in Ahoada East could still shape the outcome if reconciliation efforts are not properly handled.

INEC has confirmed its readiness for the exercise, stating that sensitive materials have been delivered to the Central Bank of Nigeria in Port Harcourt and inspected by electoral officials and party representatives.

Security agencies have also announced strict measures to ensure a peaceful process. Movement will be restricted in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on election day.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said heavy deployment of personnel has been made across polling units and major roads.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that anyone who violates the movement restriction or attempts to cause unrest will be arrested and prosecuted.

He urged residents to obey the law, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and report suspicious activities. Parents were also advised to caution their children against being used for political violence.

Security agencies reiterated their commitment to ensuring that voters exercise their civic rights peacefully and without intimidation.

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