The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Saturday, 20 June 2026, will host bye‑elections in six Nigerian states. The elections will be held concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship poll scheduled for the same day.
Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the disclosure during a ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the newly sworn‑in National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (retired), was formally welcomed.
According to Prof. Amupitan, the off‑cycle elections will fill vacancies in the Senate for Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states. In addition, a seat in the Kebbi State House of Assembly and a seat in the House of Representatives for Kano State will be contested.
“We are going into some off‑cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled for 20 June 2026. On the same date, the Commission will conduct bye‑elections to fill vacant seats,” the INEC chairman said. “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.”
Prof. Amupitan also highlighted Rear Admiral Malafa’s credentials, describing her as a “seasoned professional with extensive experience spanning military service and electoral operations.” He noted that Malafa previously served with INEC in logistics and held the position of Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing considerable administrative and legal expertise to her new role.
The chairman reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, emphasizing the need for “credible and transparent” elections at all levels of government, including the presidency, National Assembly, governorships, state legislatures and area councils.
In her remarks, National Commissioner Malafa expressed gratitude for the welcome she received and pledged to work toward the nation’s development and stability. “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.
The ceremony was attended by other National Commissioners, the INEC Secretary, the Director‑General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), senior commission officials and family members of the new National Commissioner. The upcoming elections will test INEC’s ability to deliver timely and trustworthy outcomes across multiple jurisdictions.
