The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, September 19, 2026, as the date for five legislative by-elections scheduled to take place across four Nigerian states.
The elections will be conducted in Gombe, Bauchi, Delta and Kano states, covering one federal constituency and four state constituencies.
The development was disclosed by Tunde Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to the commission, voters in the affected constituencies will elect representatives to fill vacant legislative seats.
Constituencies affected
In Gombe State, the election will hold in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, which is the only federal constituency involved in the exercise.
The four state constituencies are Disina and Sakwa in Bauchi State, Udu in Delta State, and Dawakin Kudu in Kano State.
The September 19 poll will therefore give eligible voters in the affected areas the opportunity to choose new representatives at both the federal and state levels.
Political preparations underway
With the election date now fixed, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify preparations for the contests.
INEC had earlier released details of the electoral timetable for some of the affected constituencies. In Bauchi, for instance, the commission scheduled party primaries and related dispute-resolution processes before the submission and publication of candidates’ details. Campaigns are expected to end ahead of election day.
The commission’s latest announcement provides a firm date for the five contests and allows political parties, candidates, security agencies and other stakeholders to finalise arrangements for the polls.
INEC has also continued to emphasise compliance with electoral regulations and the need for peaceful participation as preparations for the elections progress.
The September 19 by-elections will be closely watched as voters in the affected constituencies prepare to select new lawmakers to represent them.
