The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has intensified activities toward the successful conduct of the June 20 bye-election for Rivers South East Senatorial District.
The election, which is to take place across 1,629 polling units, is to fill the Rivers South-East senatorial seat left vacant by the late Barry Mpigi, who passed away in February 2026.
The district comprises the four Ogoni local government areas (Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme) and three others — Andoni, Oyigbo, and Opobo/Nkoro.
Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State, said on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that the commission is committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, and transparent bye-election.
He was speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Bori, Khana Local Government Area, as part of preparations for the June 20 bye-election.
He stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders and asked for their continued support to ensure a peaceful, successful election.
Sinikiem said the bye-election will be held across 1,629 polling units in 88 Registration Areas (RAs)/wards in the Rivers South‑East Senatorial District.
He assured participants that the commission is fully prepared to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people.
The state REC called on political parties, security agencies, traditional and civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to support the commission in delivering a credible bye-election, adding that it is the duty of all stakeholders to ensure the process is credible.
Sinikiem urged political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of threatening peace in the senatorial district.
He said the commission is committed to stakeholders’ collaboration in ensuring a secure environment for the deployment of personnel and materials, as well as the safety of voters before, during, and after the bye-election.
Sinikiem also said INEC has commenced the final phase of the continuous voter registration exercise across the state’s 23 local government areas on a rotational basis.
However, the political face-off between Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which had engulfed the state, has left some citizens wondering whether INEC can truly deliver a free and fair election.
Details as to actual candidates for the election are sketchy for now. Social media posts, however, suggest that the Action Alliance and the Labour Party may have elected flagbearers for the bye-election.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not announced any candidate for the election. Rumours, however, claim that Olaka Nworgu, who formerly represented the senatorial district, might have “gotten Wike’s nod to get the party’s ticket.”
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
