The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced June 20, 2026, as the date for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in six states, aligning the exercise with the already scheduled Ekiti State governorship poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash 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 indicated that the commission is preparing for a series of off-cycle elections, with multiple contests scheduled to take place 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.
The chairman explained that the exercise would involve senatorial elections in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states, alongside contests for a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi and a House of Representatives seat in Kano.
“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 used the occasion to formally welcome Malafa into the commission, describing her as a highly experienced professional with a background that cuts across military service and electoral administration.
He noted her prior involvement with INEC, particularly in logistics, as well as her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
Reaffirming the commission’s mandate, the INEC chairman stressed its commitment to credible electoral processes across 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 said.
In her response, Malafa expressed gratitude for her appointment and pledged to contribute to the commission’s objectives, particularly as it prepares for 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.
