ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, June 20, 2026, as the date for a series of bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in multiple states across the country, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.
The elections will be conducted in six states—Rivers State, Kano State, Kebbi State, Ondo State, Nasarawa State, and Enugu State—where voters in affected constituencies will return to the polls to elect new representatives.
INEC disclosed that the exercise will cover four senatorial districts, one seat in the House of Representatives, and one State House of Assembly seat. The elections are being organized to fill positions that became vacant following either the death or resignation of elected officeholders.
In a notable development, the Commission confirmed that the bye-elections will take place on the same day as the governorship election in Ekiti State, making June 20 a major electoral date with heightened political activity nationwide.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement during the swearing-in ceremony of a new National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa. He described the upcoming polls as part of the Commission’s schedule of off-cycle elections, which occur outside the general election timeline.
“We are going into some off-cycle elections very soon,” Yakubu said. “The Ekiti State Governorship Election is scheduled for June 20, 2026. On the same date, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats.”
He added that the senatorial seats declared vacant in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states would be contested, alongside the vacant legislative seats in Kano and Kebbi states.
The vacancies in the Senate arose under varying circumstances. In Ondo State, the seat became vacant following the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, necessitating his exit from the National Assembly.
In Rivers State, the vacancy was caused by the death of Barinada Mpigi, while in Nasarawa State, the seat became vacant after the passing of Godiya Akwashika. Similarly, in Enugu State, the senatorial position was left open following the death of Okey Ezea.
Beyond the Senate, INEC will also conduct a bye-election to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives in Kano State. Additionally, voters in Kebbi State will elect a new member of the State House of Assembly.
The Commission’s decision to hold all the bye-elections on the same day as the Ekiti governorship poll is expected to streamline logistics and reduce costs, while also maximizing voter participation. However, it will also require careful coordination to ensure smooth conduct across multiple locations simultaneously.
Political analysts note that bye-elections, though limited in scope compared to general elections, often serve as important indicators of public sentiment and party strength between major election cycles. The outcomes in these states could therefore provide early signals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has not yet released the full timetable and schedule of activities for the elections, including dates for party primaries, campaigns, and voter education. However, Yakubu assured that preparations are already underway to ensure credible and transparent polls.
As the date approaches, political parties are expected to intensify internal processes to select candidates for the vacant seats. Campaign activities are also likely to gather momentum in the affected constituencies, with stakeholders closely watching developments.
The convergence of multiple bye-elections with a governorship contest underscores the increasing pace of political activity in Nigeria as the country gradually moves toward another election cycle. For voters in the affected areas, June 20 will present an opportunity not only to fill vacant positions but also to shape the political direction of their constituencies.
With INEC setting the stage, attention will now shift to political parties, candidates, and the electorate as preparations begin in earnest for what promises to be a significant day in Nigeria’s democratic process.
