Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to eligible voters in Ahoada East and Khana local government areas to turn out en masse for Saturday’s bye-elections and to lend their support to candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appeal was issued on Friday through the governor’s press office. It framed the poll as a “family election.” The appeal stressed the need for peaceful participation across the two constituencies.
The bye-elections are set to fill vacant seats. These seats are in the Rivers State House of Assembly for Ahoada East Constituency 2 and Khana Constituency 2. They are scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026.
The governor’s statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary Onwuka Nzeshi. It was issued in Port Harcourt on Friday. The governor urged voters to be law-abiding. He asked them to shun rancour and acrimony during the exercise.
Security arrangements for the polls were tightened on Friday. The Rivers State Police Command announced a restriction of movement for the two LGAs.
The measure will take effect from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturday. It is aimed at creating secure space for the election. It also prevents breaches of the peace.
The police announced there will be a substantial security deployment in both constituencies. They urged residents to comply with the security measures. Residents should avoid carrying weapons or dangerous items.
Political context is important for understanding why the governor’s intervention matters. Governor Fubara’s public endorsement of APC candidates comes against a backdrop of shifting party loyalties and intense local contestation.
In recent weeks, Mr. Fubara has been the focus of speculation over party allegiances. There has been speculation over candidate support. At times, he has denied backing candidates from rival platforms.
The contest for the two Assembly seats has seen heavy interest from factions linked to former state actors. There is also significant interest from national powerbrokers. Observers say this dynamic has raised the stakes for an otherwise local vote.
Local stakeholders and civil society figures urged calm and urged security services to guarantee a free and fair poll.
Community leaders, youth representatives, and local development groups emphasized the need for an orderly, transparent process. They stated that the credibility of the election depends on this process. It also relies on the ability of security agencies to prevent intimidation and violence.
Election monitors in Port Harcourt said they would deploy observers to polling units. They called for full cooperation from political parties.
Analysis: what to watch on Saturday
Turnout versus intimidation: The governor’s call for a mass turnout could energise supporters but also risks inflaming rival camps. Independent monitors should watch for reports of vote-buying, undue pressure on voters and any attempts to disrupt polling.
Security implementation: The effectiveness of the police movement restriction from 12:00–18:00 will be a litmus test for the state command. Will checkpoints and patrols secure access to polling units without creating bottlenecks or denying legitimate voters entry?
Party machinations: Both APC and rival parties are eager to capture these seats. Post-election legal challenges or claims of malpractice might arise. Legal teams and party agents will be decisive in the immediate aftermath.
What this means for Rivers politics
A successful APC showing would consolidate recent realignments at state level and signal momentum ahead of larger contests. Conversely, an upset for the APC could expose fault lines within the party’s local coalition and embolden opposition actors.
For residents, the central concern remains stability and the delivery of governance, not factional battles. The governor’s public call for peace is therefore as much about political mobilisation as it is about defusing tensions.
Immediate recommendations for voters and authorities
• Voters: carry valid identification. Check your polling unit before setting out. Report intimidation to recognized election observers or security officials.
• Political parties: deploy agents to every polling unit, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instruct supporters to adhere to the law.
• Security services: enforce the 12:00–18:00 movement restriction proportionately. They protect polling sites and corridors of voter access. They also ensure transparent handling of any incidents.
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