INEC Fixes June 20, 2026 for Bye-Elections in Six States, Aligns Exercise with Ekiti Governorship Poll

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

The elections will take place in Kebbi, Kano, Ondo, Rivers, Nasarawa, and Enugu states, covering vacancies in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed the development in Abuja during the swearing-in ceremony of a new National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.

According to the commission, the bye-elections will be conducted simultaneously with the already scheduled Ekiti State governorship election 2026, which is also billed for June 20.

INEC explained that the decision to align the bye-elections with the Ekiti governorship poll is part of efforts to optimize logistics, reduce costs, and ensure efficient deployment of electoral personnel and materials.

Some of the vacancies prompting the bye-elections include senatorial seats left open due to death and resignation. For instance, the Ondo senatorial seat became vacant following the resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, while other vacancies in Rivers, Nasarawa, and Enugu arose from the deaths of serving lawmakers.

The commission reaffirmed its readiness to conduct credible, free, and fair elections, noting that preparations are already underway for both the bye-elections and the Ekiti governorship contest.

The June 20 polls mark another major electoral milestone in Nigeria’s busy 2026 political calendar, as the country gradually builds momentum toward the 2027 general elections.