INEC Announces Date For By-Elections In Four States, Releases Fresh Details

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled September 19, 2026, for by-elections to fill five vacant legislative seats across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states.

The electoral body announced the date through its official X handle, stating that voting would take place at polling units within the affected constituencies between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the affected constituencies are Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano State, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi State, and Udu State Constituency in Delta State.

The five legislative seats became vacant following a combination of circumstances, including the death and resignation of lawmakers, as well as defections and decisions by some legislators to pursue other political positions.

In Gombe State, the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the death of its representative, Yaya Bauchi Tongo, in June 2026.

The Sakwa State Constituency seat in Bauchi also became vacant following the death of its former occupant, while the lawmaker representing Disina resigned from the State House of Assembly to contest a chairmanship position.

In Delta State, the Udu State Constituency seat was declared vacant after its former occupant, Collins Egbetamah, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Meanwhile, the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency seat in Kano became vacant after its former representative, Rabiu Shuaibu, left the State Assembly to contest the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat.

Shuaibu subsequently won the federal constituency by-election held in June, defeating candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement and the Labour Party.

INEC said the September 19 exercise would be conducted across the affected constituencies, giving eligible voters in the areas an opportunity to elect new representatives to fill the vacant seats.