INEC schedules June 20 by-elections in six states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 20, 2026, as the date for by-elections to fill vacant legislative seats across six states.

INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a ceremony to receive Jamila Malafa, who was sworn in as a national commissioner a day earlier.

According to him, the by-elections will be conducted on the same day as the Ekiti State governorship election.

He explained that the exercise will cover vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states. It will also include a state house of assembly seat in Kebbi and a house of representatives seat in Kano.

“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,” Amupitan said.

He added that the commission remains committed to conducting credible and transparent elections in line with its constitutional mandate.

Commenting on Malafa’s appointment, the INEC chairman described her as an experienced professional with a background in both military service and electoral administration. He noted her previous roles in logistics within the commission and as director of legal services in the Nigerian Navy.

In her remarks, Malafa thanked the commission for the reception and expressed readiness to contribute to its operations.

“I look forward to working with everyone for the development and stability of our country, and for the success of forthcoming elections,” she said.