The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has announced June 20, 2026, as the date for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states, aligning the exercise with the already scheduled Ekiti State Governorship Election 2026.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a brief ceremony held to welcome a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa, according to the commission’s bulletin.
Amupitan noted that the commission is preparing for a series of off-cycle elections, with multiple contests set to hold simultaneously.
“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 by-elections to fill vacant seats,” Yakubu said.
He explained that the exercise will cover senatorial elections in Enugu State, Nasarawa State, Rivers State, and Ondo State, alongside 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 also formally welcomed Malafa into the commission, describing her as a seasoned professional with experience spanning military service and electoral administration. He highlighted her previous contributions to INEC, particularly in logistics, as well as her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
Reaffirming INEC’s mandate, the chairman stressed the commission’s commitment to credible and transparent 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 credibly and transparently,” he said.
In her remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to support the commission’s work ahead of upcoming elections.
“I am 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 ceremony was attended by national commissioners, senior officials of the commission, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, as well as family members of the new appointee.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
