The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that bye-elections will be conducted in six states of the federation concurrently with the Ekiti State governorship election. The elections are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
INEC disclosed this development in a bulletin released on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The commission's chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the announcement during a brief ceremony at the commission's headquarters in Abuja, where he formally welcomed Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (retd.), the newly sworn-in national commissioner.
Details of the Bye-Elections
According to Amupitan, the bye-elections will fill vacancies for four senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States. Additionally, a House of Representatives seat in Kano State and a state House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State will be contested.
The chairman described the new national commissioner as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in military service and electoral operations, expressing confidence in her contributions to the commission.
Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked reactions from Nigerians as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Many citizens took to social media to share their views.
Rodemi Femi challenged opposition parties to use the bye-elections as a test of their popularity: "If the coalition is serious and as popular as they claim, this is going to be the true test of their popularity. At least those bye-elections would go a long way towards their preparedness for 2027."
Alde called on INEC to consider alternatives: "I think INEC should come up with an alternative for these replacements. The party of the last occupants should have been asked to present a replacement instead of a new election."
Adesọji commended the electoral body: "True democratic integrity is built on structural accountability and well-maintained institutions, not just political noise. Conducting the bye-elections and the Ekiti gubernatorial poll simultaneously proves that steady, fundamental planning is what ensures transparent, durable representation."
Temiyemi emphasized the importance of the off-season elections: "The conduct of INEC and its officials in the upcoming off-season election in Ekiti and Osun will determine how citizens will view the election umpire going into the 2027 general election."
Adetunji Adewolu criticized INEC with a humorous tone: "INEC said one election isn't enough... let's do a combo pack. June 20 go loud ballot papers everywhere, voters; choose your fighter!"
These reactions reflect the diverse opinions of Nigerians regarding the electoral process and the commission's preparations for the 2027 general elections.
