Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged eligible voters in Ahoada East and Khana Local Government Areas to turn out in large numbers for the bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The elections are being conducted to fill vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly for Ahoada East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Fubara described the exercise as a “family affair” and appealed to the electorate to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting the two legislative seats.

The governor’s call was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, and made available to journalists.

Fubara also stressed the need for peace and order before, during, and after the polls, particularly in the affected constituencies. He urged residents to conduct themselves in a law-abiding manner and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.

“Everybody should be law-abiding and avoid doing anything that will disturb the peace during the exercise,” the governor said. “It is actually a family election, and there is no need for rancour and acrimony.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement in Ahoada East and Khana LGAs ahead of the bye-elections.

The restriction, according to the police, will be in effect from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral exercise.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said there would be massive deployment of security personnel across the two local government areas to forestall any breakdown of law and order and to protect lives and property before, during, and after the elections.

Security operatives will be stationed at strategic locations, including polling units and major roads, to prevent violence, electoral malpractice, and other criminal activities that could undermine the process.

The police advised members of the public to comply strictly with the movement restriction, avoid unnecessary loitering around polling units, refrain from carrying weapons or suspicious items, and promptly report any suspicious activities.

Adepoju further warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence and adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws guiding elections, noting that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used as instruments of violence or disorder during the polls.

The police command assured residents of its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to providing a safe and secure environment for voters to exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.