The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states, with the exercise set to run concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, announced the date on Thursday in Abuja during a brief ceremony marking the official welcome of a new National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.
According to a statement from the commission, the decision is part of preparations for a wider set of off-cycle elections scheduled for the electoral calendar.
Amupitan said the commission will simultaneously conduct the Ekiti governorship poll and by-elections to fill legislative vacancies in affected constituencies.
“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.
The by-elections will cover senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states, alongside a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
Amupitan reiterated the commission’s commitment to credible, transparent and well-organised elections nationwide, noting that INEC remains focused on strengthening democratic processes.
“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.
He also formally welcomed Malafa to the commission, describing her as a seasoned administrator with experience spanning logistics management and legal services in the Nigerian Navy, as well as prior engagement with INEC operations.
In her remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to contribute to the commission’s efforts in delivering credible 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,” she said.
The event was attended by national commissioners, senior INEC officials, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and other guests.
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