The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, has set Saturday, June 20, 2026, for bye-elections in six states of the Federation.
INEC also formally welcomed newly sworn-in National Commissioner Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd.).
Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Commission, said this on Thursday during a brief ceremony at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja to welcome the new National Commissioner.
He stated that the bye-elections will take place alongside the Ekiti State Governorship Election, which is planned for the same date.
According to him, the polls will fill senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo states, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi and a House of Representatives seat in Kano state.
“We will be doing some off-cycle elections very soon. The Ekiti State Governorship election is set for June 20, 2026. On the same day, the Commission would hold bye-elections to replace vacancies,” the INEC Chairman stated.He noted that the senate seats declared vacant in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States, as well as the Kebbi State House of Assembly seat and the Kano State House of Representatives position, would be filled.
In announcing the nomination of the new National Commissioner, Prof. Amupitan hailed Rear Admiral Malafa (rtd.) as a seasoned professional with vast expertise in military service and electoral activities.
He highlighted that she had previously worked with the Commission on logistics and as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, bringing a lot of administrative and legal experience to her new position.
The Chairman emphasized the Commission’s adherence to its constitutional role.
Our responsibilities are clear. We are dedicated to conducting legitimate and transparent elections for the offices of President, National Assembly, Governors, State Houses of Assembly, and Area Councils,” he stated.
In her remarks, the newly sworn-in National Commissioner expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received and promised to contribute effectively to the Commission’s work.
“I’m pleased to be here, and I appreciate the kind welcome. “I look forward to working with everyone for our country’s development and stability, as well as the success of the upcoming elections,” she added.The celebration was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), top Commission officials, and the new National Commissioner’s family.The celebration was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), top Commission officials, and the new National Commissioner’s family.The celebration was attended by National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), top Commission officials, and the new National Commissioner’s family.
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