The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed June 20, 2026, for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states, aligning the exercise with the already scheduled Ekiti State governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced this on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Abuja during a ceremony to welcome a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa, according to the commission’s bulletin.
Amupitan said the commission is preparing for a series of off-cycle elections, with multiple contests set to hold on the same day.
“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 INEC chairman explained that the exercise will cover senatorial elections 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.
“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 formally welcomed Malafa to the commission, describing her as a seasoned professional with experience spanning military service and electoral administration.
He highlighted her previous contributions to INEC, particularly in logistics, as well as her role as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy.
Reaffirming the commission’s mandate, the chairman stressed its commitment to conducting credible and transparent elections at all levels.
“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 remarks, Malafa expressed appreciation for her appointment and pledged to support the commission’s objectives ahead of 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 event was attended by national commissioners, senior INEC officials, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, and family members of the new appointee.
