The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended voting time in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District bye-election by one hour following disruptions caused by heavy rainfall in several parts of the district.
The commission announced on Saturday that polling, which was originally scheduled to end at 2:30 pm, will now close at 3:30 pm to accommodate affected voters.
Rainfall Disrupts Early Voting
INEC explained that the decision became necessary after reports indicated that heavy downpour delayed the commencement of voting in multiple polling units across the senatorial district.
The extension, according to the electoral body, is aimed at ensuring that eligible voters who experienced delays due to weather conditions are not disenfranchised.
Official Confirmation From INEC
In a message to the INEC Press Corps, the Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, confirmed the adjustment in voting time.
She stated that the Chairman of the Commission approved the extension after receiving reports of widespread rainfall-related disruptions.
“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,” she said.
Election Covering Seven LGAs
The bye-election is being conducted to fill the vacant Rivers South-East Senatorial seat following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented the district until his passing earlier this year.
Also Read: Funso Doherty Declares “O Ti Ya” as He Emerges NDC Lagos Candidate
INEC had scheduled the election for June 20, 2026, with voting taking place across 88 registration areas and 1,629 polling units in seven local government areas.
The affected LGAs include Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro, Eleme, Tai, Oyigbo, Khana, and Gokana.
INEC Reassures Voters
The electoral commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible and inclusive election, assuring stakeholders that all necessary arrangements were in place ahead of the exercise.
It added that the extension was purely to ensure that voters who could not participate earlier due to the rain were given adequate opportunity to exercise their franchise.