INEC Fixes June 20 for Bye-Elections in Six States

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, June 20, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in six states across Nigeria. The elections will be held concurrently with the already scheduled Ekiti State governorship election on the same date.

The commission’s chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Thursday during a brief ceremony at the Inec headquarters in Abuja to formally welcome a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.).

According to the chairman, the bye-elections will cover four senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states, as well as a House of Representatives seat in Kano State and a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi 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,” Amupitan stated.

“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.

The senatorial vacancies arose from different circumstances across the affected states. In Ondo State, the seat became vacant following the resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who has resumed a new appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In Rivers State, the vacancy was created by the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, while in Nasarawa State, Senator Godiya Akwashika passed away. The Enugu senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Okey Ezea.

During the same ceremony, Amupitan formally received the newly appointed National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.), describing her as a seasoned professional with extensive experience spanning military service and electoral operations. He noted that she had previously worked with the commission in logistics and served as director of legal services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing administrative and legal expertise to her new role.

“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,” the Inec chairman reaffirmed.

In her remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for the reception accorded to her and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the commission’s work. “I’m 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 commission’s announcement indicates that multiple polls will take place simultaneously across the country on June 20, with Inec pledging to ensure transparent and credible electoral processes in all affected constituencies.