INEC Sets Date For Bauchi September By-Elections, Unveils Full Timetable

The Sakwa seat became vacant following the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency, while the Disina seat was declared vacant after its former occupant resigned to contest for a chairmanship position.

INEC announced the timetable during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security, alongside representatives of political parties, held on Friday.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bauchi State, Umar Ibrahim, called on all stakeholders to continue working closely with the Commission to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for voters, candidates, election officials, electoral materials, party agents and other participants.

According to Ibrahim, the process officially commenced with the publication of the Notice of Election on August 20, 2026, in the affected constituencies.

He said political parties are expected to conduct their primaries and resolve any resulting disputes between August 21 and 25, 2026.

Campaign activities will officially commence on September 9 and end on September 17, 2026, ahead of the September 19 poll.

Ibrahim urged political parties and their candidates to adhere strictly to the electoral timetable and relevant laws.

He said, “I urge all political parties and their candidates to take particular note of these timelines and ensure strict compliance with the applicable law and the Commission’s timetable.”

The REC also assured residents that INEC was committed to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful elections in the two constituencies.

He stated, “The Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and peaceful by-elections in the Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies. This objective, however, can only be achieved through the collective commitment of all stakeholders.”

At the meeting, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, pledged the police force’s cooperation with other security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

Aliyu said security agencies would carry out a comprehensive assessment to identify potential threats and develop appropriate responses to security challenges before and during the polls.

He also urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.