By Mahmoud
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled Saturday, Sept. 19 for five by-elections across four states to fill legislative seats left vacant following the death of the sitting lawmakers.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Tunde Oketola, confirmed the date on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria. He said the commission had concluded arrangements to conduct the polls in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states.
According to Oketola, the by-election will cover one federal constituency and four state constituencies. The federal seat is Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State. The state seats are Disina and Sakwa in Bauchi State, Udu in Delta State, and Dawakin Kudu in Kano State.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, is expected to deploy supervisory teams to the affected areas ahead of the polls. Oketola said logistics and sensitive materials would be moved early to ensure smooth conduct on election day.
The vacancies arose after the lawmakers representing the constituencies died in recent months, creating the need for fresh elections in line with the Electoral Act. While INEC did not release the names of the bereaved members in its statement, party stakeholders in the four states have begun consultations on candidates.
Political observers note that by-elections often serve as an early test of strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. The outcomes in Kano and Gombe are being watched closely because of their large voter populations and competitive party structures.
In Bauchi, the two state seats of Disina and Sakwa have traditionally recorded high voter turnout. Party leaders in the state said they would use the polls to mobilize grassroots support and address local issues that dominated the previous representation.
In Delta, the Udu constituency by-election comes at a time of renewed debate over constituency projects and youth empowerment. Community leaders said they expect candidates to focus on infrastructure and job creation during campaigns.
Oketola urged political parties and candidates to play by the rules and avoid acts that could disrupt the process. He recalled the INEC Chairman’s recent warning that there would be consequences for electoral misconduct, adding that security agencies would be on ground.
With the Sept. 19 date now fixed, INEC said it would publish the timetable for party primaries, campaign activities and the display of voter register in the affected constituencies in the coming days.
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