The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced June 20, 2026, as the date for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in six states across the country.
INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja during a brief ceremony held to receive a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.
He explained that the by-elections would be conducted on the same day as the governorship election in Ekiti State, as part of the commission’s plan to manage multiple off-cycle polls efficiently.
“We are heading into a series of off-cycle elections shortly. The Ekiti State governorship election is fixed for June 20, 2026, and on that same date, the commission will conduct by-elections to fill vacant seats,” Amupitan said.
According to him, the exercise will include senatorial elections in Enugu State, Nasarawa State, Rivers State, and Ondo State. It will also cover 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.
Amupitan used the occasion to welcome Malafa into the commission, describing her as an experienced professional with a background in both military service and electoral administration.
“She brings valuable experience, particularly from her previous work with the commission in logistics, as well as her role in legal services within the Nigerian Navy,” he noted.
Reaffirming INEC’s mandate, the chairman stressed the commission’s commitment to credible elections.
“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 in a credible and transparent manner,” he said.
In her remarks, Jamila Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the commission’s work.
“I am honoured to join the commission and grateful for the warm reception. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our electoral processes and ensure the success of upcoming elections,” she said.
