INEC announces date for by-elections in 6 states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 20 as the date for conducting by-elections in six states across the country.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of a new National Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa.

He explained that the by-elections would take place on the same day as the Ekiti State Governorship Election.

Amupitan stated that the exercise would address senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo States.He added that elections would also be held to fill a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano 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.

“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,” Amupitan said.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new National Commissioner, Amupitan described Malafa as a seasoned professional with broad experience in both military service and electoral administration.

He noted that she had previously contributed to the Commission’s work in logistics and had served as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing strong administrative and legal expertise to her new position.

The INEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to its constitutional responsibility of delivering credible elections nationwide.In her response, Malafa expressed gratitude for the reception she received and assured of her commitment to the Commission’s mandate.

“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.