Politics
June 20: INEC to Hold Bye-elections in Six States, Receives New Commissioner
By Iyojo Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, June 20, 2026, as the date for bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in six states.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja during the formal reception of a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.
He said the bye-elections would be conducted alongside the Ekiti State governorship poll scheduled for the same day.
According to Amupitan, the exercise will cover vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states. It will also include a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
“We are preparing for off-cycle elections. The Ekiti governorship election is fixed for June 20, 2026, and on the same day, the Commission will conduct bye-elections to fill existing vacancies,” he stated.
The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to deliver credible and transparent elections in line with its constitutional mandate.
He described Malafa as a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in military service and electoral operations, noting her previous involvement with INEC’s logistics operations and her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
In her response, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to contribute to strengthening the Commission’s work and ensuring successful elections.
“I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Commission’s mandate and support the conduct of credible elections,” she said.
Top officials of the Commission, including national commissioners and senior staff, attended the brief ceremony, alongside family members of the new appointee.
