INEC Sets June 20 for By-Elections in Six States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a significant electoral calendar, setting June 20, 2026, as the date for by-elections across six Nigerian states. This strategic scheduling ensures these crucial polls will run concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election, streamlining the electoral process and potentially increasing voter engagement. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja, emphasizing the commission's readiness for a series of off-cycle elections.

“

We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20, 2026. On the same date, the commission will conduct by-elections to fill vacant seats.

The by-elections are set to fill a number of vacant legislative seats, reflecting recent political shifts and vacancies. Notably, senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states will be contested. Additionally, a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi and a House of Representatives seat in Kano are up for grabs. This multi-state electoral exercise underscores the dynamic nature of Nigeria's political landscape and the continuous need for electoral bodies to manage these transitions efficiently.

“

The senatorial seats declared vacant in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states will be filled, alongside the Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

Professor Amupitan also took the opportunity to formally welcome Jamila Malafa, a newly sworn-in National Commissioner. Her background, spanning military service and electoral administration, including a role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, is seen as a valuable asset to INEC. Malafa expressed her commitment to contributing to the commission's objectives, particularly in the lead-up to these upcoming elections. Her integration into the commission signals a strengthening of INEC's capacity as it reaffirms its dedication to conducting credible and transparent electoral processes across all governmental levels in Nigeria.

“

I am glad to be here and I thank you for the warm reception. I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country, and for the success of forthcoming elections.