INEC Fixes June 20 for Bye-Elections in Six States, Kano Reps Seat Included
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 across six states of the federation.
The elections will take place in Kebbi, Kano, Ondo, Rivers, Nasarawa, and Enugu States, covering four vacant senatorial seats, one House of Representatives seat, and one State House of Assembly seat.
According to INEC, the four senatorial districts affected are:
Ondo State – following the resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim after his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Rivers State – following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi.
Nasarawa State – following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashika.
Enugu State – following the death of Senator Okey Ezea.
In addition, the commission will conduct a bye-election to fill a vacant House of Representatives seat in Kano State, as well as a vacant State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the timetable during the swearing-in ceremony of a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa.
He stated that the commission is preparing for several off-cycle polls, noting that the bye-elections will be conducted on the same day as the Ekiti State Governorship Election.
“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.
Political observers believe the polls will attract significant national attention, especially in Kano and Rivers States, where political competition is expected to be intense.
The June 20 elections are expected to test INEC’s readiness ahead of future major electoral contests across the country.