AA Candidate Heads To Court Over Rivers By-Election, Alleges INEC Misconduct

June 23, 2026 – Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The Action Alliance (AA) senatorial candidate in the Rivers South East by-election, Douglas Fabeke, has vowed to legally challenge the outcome of the poll, citing multiple irregularities.

Fabeke alleged that INEC failed to provide result sheets at many polling units, relocated officials to private hotels where results were allegedly manipulated, facilitated vote-buying, and instructed presiding officers not to upload results to the IReV portal.

This election was a charade, and we have documented proof to challenge it, he said.

Fabeke's campaign listed several grievances, including:

• Failure to provide result sheets at many polling units, leaving voters confused and frustrated
• Relocation of officials to private hotels where results were allegedly manipulated away from public scrutiny
• Facilitation of vote-buying by INEC officials who allegedly turned a blind eye to the practice
• Instructions to presiding officers not to upload results to the IReV portal, undermining transparency

The AA candidate said he has documented evidence of the irregularities and will present it in court. He called on INEC to ensure that those responsible for the alleged misconduct are held accountable.

INEC has not yet responded to Fabeke's allegations. However, the commission has previously defended the conduct of the by-elections, stating that the process was transparent and credible.

INEC officials in Rivers State were not available for comment at the time of filing this report.

Fabeke is expected to file a petition at the Election Tribunal challenging the outcome of the Rivers South East by-election. The tribunal will hear the case and determine whether the election was conducted in accordance with the law.

The Action Alliance candidate has called on his supporters to remain calm and trust the judicial process to deliver justice.

The Rivers South East by-election was one of six by-elections held across the country on June 20. Allegations of irregularities in the poll raise questions about INEC's ability to conduct credible elections.

If the court overturns the result, it could have implications for the credibility of the electoral process and the independence of INEC. The case will be closely watched by political parties and observers across Nigeria.