INEC Fixes September 19 For Five Major Bye-Elections Across Four States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Saturday, September 19, 2026, as the date for five bye-elections across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta States.

The commission is expected to conduct one federal constituency election and four state constituency elections as part of efforts to fill vacant legislative seats across the affected areas.

According to the electoral body, the federal bye-election will take place in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

In Bauchi State, voters will participate in bye-elections for the Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies, while residents of Delta State will elect a new representative for the Udu State Constituency.

Kano State will also hold a bye-election in the Dawakin Kudu State Constituency on the same date.

The development was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Tunde Oketola, during an interaction with journalists in Abuja.

The commission is expected to release the full electoral timetable, guidelines and other details concerning the conduct of the polls ahead of September 19.

Meanwhile, the electoral body has continued to caution political parties and their candidates against engaging in abusive, inflammatory or threatening campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the commission, politicians and political parties found violating relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 could face financial penalties or possible imprisonment.

INEC has consequently urged political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and refrain from hate speech, intimidation, coercion and threats capable of undermining the electoral process.