INEC Schedules June 20 Bye-elections, Receives New National Commissioner

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, June 20, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections in six states across the country.

Chairman of the Commission, Joash Amupitan, announced this on Thursday during a brief ceremony at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the Commission formally received its newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.

He disclosed that the bye-elections will hold alongside the Ekiti State governorship election slated for the same day.

Amupitan said the exercise will fill vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states. It will also cover a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

“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 bye-elections to fill vacant seats,” he said.

The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering credible and transparent elections in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking on the new National Commissioner, Amupitan described Malafa as an experienced professional with a strong background in both military and electoral administration. He noted her prior contributions to the Commission, particularly in logistics, as well as her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.

In her remarks, Malafa thanked the Commission for the warm reception and pledged to work collaboratively to ensure the success of upcoming elections.

“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 ceremony was attended by national commissioners, senior officials of the Commission, and family members of the new appointee.