Breaking: INEC Extends Rivers Bye-Election Voting As Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Election Process

The commission announced on Saturday that voting, which was initially scheduled to end at 2:30 p.m., will now continue until 3:30 p.m.

According to INEC, the extension was necessary to allow eligible voters affected by weather-related delays to exercise their franchise.

In a statement sent to members of the INEC Press Corps, the Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, explained that persistent rainfall led to late commencement of voting in several polling units.

She said the Chairman of the Commission approved the adjustment in response to the situation.

The statement read in part: “Due to the reported heavy rainfall in most areas within Rivers South East Senatorial District, late commencement of poll was recorded. Consequently, the Chairman of the Commission has given approval for extension of close of poll from 2:30pm to 3:30pm for the bye-election.”

The bye-election is being held to fill the vacant Rivers South-East Senatorial seat in the National Assembly following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi earlier this year.

Voting is taking place across 88 registration areas and 1,629 polling units spread across seven local government areas, including Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Eleme, Tai, Oyigbo, Khana, and Gokana.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier scheduled the election for June 20, 2026, with voting hours set between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible, free, and fair election, stating that the extension was aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to the weather disruption.