INEC SETS SEPTEMBER 19 FOR FIVE LEGISLATIVE BY-ELECTIONS ACROSS FOUR STATES

The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled September 19, 2026, for the conduct of five legislative by-elections across four states of the federation. The affected states are Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta, with the elections expected to fill vacant seats in one federal constituency and four state constituencies. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Tunde Oketola, confirmed the date in Abuja.

The upcoming elections will provide eligible voters in the affected constituencies with an opportunity to elect new representatives following the emergence of vacancies in the legislative seats. The commission is expected to implement the elections in line with its established timetable and electoral guidelines, while political parties and candidates prepare for the contests across the four states.

In Bauchi State, the two affected constituencies are Sakwa in Zaki Local Government Area and Disina in Shira Local Government Area. INEC had earlier disclosed that the Sakwa constituency comprises five wards and 100 polling units, while Disina consists of five wards with 95 polling units. The commission has urged political parties and candidates to comply with the relevant electoral laws and deadlines.

The September 19 exercise will also include contests in Gombe, Kano and Delta states, bringing the total number of legislative vacancies to five constituencies. The commission's decision comes as political parties intensify preparations, including the selection and mobilisation of candidates ahead of the polls. INEC is also expected to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure adequate protection for voters, election officials, materials and participating parties.

The by-elections form part of INEC's wider responsibility to fill legislative vacancies and maintain effective representation across the country. With the 2027 general elections also approaching, the September contests are expected to attract considerable political attention and provide another test of the commission's preparations, electoral procedures and the ability of political parties to mobilise voters.