Nwoku Olaka Johnson of the PDP has won Saturday's by-election for Rivers South-East Senatorial District. INEC declared him winner at the collation centre in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.
Professor Rosemary Ogu, the Returning Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, announced the results. Johnson polled 47,961 votes from 51,150 valid ballots cast across seven local government areas.
His closest rival, APC's Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari, finished second with just 1,647 votes. Douglas Fabeke Beeka of the Action Alliance got 1,175 votes.
Sam Kinanee Barikpoa, who ran on the Labour Party platform, scored 367 votes. All four candidates belong to the political coalition led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Rivers State.
Professor Ogu declared: "That Nwoku Olaka Johnson of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected."
The senatorial seat fell vacant in February 2026 following Senator Barry Barinada Mpigi's death. The by-election attracted keen interest across the state.
Johnson cast his ballot in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area on Saturday. He commended the voter turnout he witnessed.
"It shows public confidence in our electoral process," the PDP candidate told reporters. But he raised concerns about INEC's use of technology.
Johnson flagged reported problems with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. He urged INEC to exercise caution in relying on technology.
"We hear that BVAS machines are having some challenges," he noted. According to him, such hitches could lead to voters being disenfranchised.
"INEC should be more cautious in relying on technology," Johnson stressed. "It is important for our people to vote during elections," he added.
His victory marks a significant win for the PDP in the southern senatorial district. The party's dominance in Rivers State politics appears strengthened by this outcome.
