INEC fixes June 20 for by-elections across six states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled June 20, 2026, for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states, with the exercise to run concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during a brief ceremony welcoming a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.

According to the commission’s bulletin, the decision is part of preparations for a series of off-cycle elections designed to consolidate electoral processes across the country.

Amupitan said the by-elections would cover senatorial and legislative vacancies in multiple states, conducted on the same day as the Ekiti governorship poll.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the affected positions include senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

Amupitan added that the commission is committed to ensuring credible, transparent and inclusive elections at all levels of government.

“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 stated.

The INEC chairman also formally welcomed Malafa into the commission, describing her as an experienced administrator with a background in military service and electoral logistics. She previously served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy and has had prior engagements with INEC.

In her remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to support the commission’s mandate ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

“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 INEC officials, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and family members of the new appointee.