From Victor Osula Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections across six states of the federation, in a move aimed at filling vacant legislative seats and strengthening democratic representation in the country.
The by-elections will be held simultaneously with the Ekiti State Governorship Election already scheduled for the same date.
Speaking on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of the Commission’s newly appointed National Commissioner, retired Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa, in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the by-elections will cover four senatorial districts in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states, as well as a House of Representatives seat in Kano State and a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State.
He said the Commission was fully committed to ensuring that citizens in the affected constituencies were adequately represented through transparent and credible electoral processes.
“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 stated.
At the ceremony, Amupitan also highlighted the significance of the appointment of retired Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa as National Commissioner, describing her as an experienced administrator with a distinguished record in public service.
He noted that Malafa brings to the Commission extensive expertise from both the military and electoral sectors, having previously collaborated with INEC in the area of logistics.
According to him, her previous role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy further equips her with the legal and administrative competence required to strengthen the Commission’s operations.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding its constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections across Nigeria.
He stressed that the Commission remained focused on improving electoral processes and sustaining public confidence in the nation’s democracy.
In her remarks shortly after taking the oath of office, Malafa expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception accorded her and pledged to work diligently toward the success of future elections.
“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.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen INEC’s leadership structure as the Commission intensifies preparations for upcoming electoral exercises nationwide.
