The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled June 20, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states, aligning the exercise with the Ekiti State governorship election on the same day.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a ceremony to welcome newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa, according to the commission’s official bulletin.
Highlighting the commission’s preparations for a series of off-cycle elections, Yakubu said multiple contests would be conducted simultaneously.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the exercise would include senatorial elections in Enugu State, Nasarawa State, Rivers State and Ondo State, alongside a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
“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,” he added.
Providing further details, the INEC chairman noted that the vacancies arose from a mix of appointments and deaths of serving lawmakers. The Ondo senatorial seat became vacant following the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
In Rivers State, the vacancy followed the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, while in Nasarawa State, it was due to the death of Senator Godiya Akwashika. Similarly, the senatorial seat in Enugu State became vacant after the passing of Senator Okey Ezea.
Reaffirming INEC’s mandate, Yakubu stressed the commission’s commitment to credible and transparent elections at all levels.
“Our responsibility is clear. We are committed to conducting elections into the offices of the President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly and Area Councils credibly and transparently,” he said.
The INEC chairman also formally welcomed Malafa, describing her as a seasoned professional with experience spanning military service and electoral administration, including prior roles in logistics within the commission and as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
In her remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged dedication to the commission’s goals.
“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,” she said.
The event was attended by national commissioners, senior officials, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and family members of the new appointee.
