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Abuja, Nigeria
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday distributed sensitive materials for the June 20, 2026, by-elections across six states, even as security agencies announced movement restrictions to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The by-elections will be conducted alongside the Ekiti State governorship election, making Saturday one of the busiest electoral days in Nigeria's calendar this year. The by-elections will cover senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers and Ondo states, as well as a state House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
In Rivers State, the Independent National Electoral Commission said 858,573 registered voters are expected to take part in the election across 1,629 polling units. The senatorial seat became vacant after Senator George Sekibo was appointed to a federal position by President Bola Tinubu.
The Enugu North Senatorial District by-election has drawn significant attention following the death of Senator Chukwuka Utazi in April. The late senator's family has called for a free and fair process to honour his memory.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election has been marked by controversy after the Labour Party's candidate, Labaran Maku, alleged a plot to rig the election. Maku, a former Minister of Information, has called on the international community to monitor the poll, raising tensions in the state. The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed the allegations as "false, malicious and baseless."
In Ondo State, the by-election is being contested by nine candidates jostling to succeed Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was appointed Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The contest has been fiercely competitive, with zoning playing a central role in the campaigns.
The Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the Kano State House of Representatives seat complete the by-election roster. Both contests are expected to be closely watched as indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Police have announced restrictions on movement in the affected states and constituencies. In Enugu State, the restriction will run from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day. The police have assured citizens that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has assured Nigerians that the commission is fully prepared for the elections, with all necessary logistics and personnel deployed. He called on voters to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully.
The Ekiti State governorship election, which will hold on the same day, has also drawn significant attention. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election, will face stiff competition from several opposition candidates. Analysts have described the Ekiti election as a major test for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition ahead of 2027.
As Nigerians prepare to head to the polls on Saturday, all eyes will be on the conduct of the elections and the credibility of the process.