INEC Completes Final Preparations for Bye-Elections in 16 Constituencies Across 12 States
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the delivery of all non-sensitive materials ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections scheduled to take place in 16 constituencies across 12 states. Sensitive materials are expected to arrive later today, in line with the Commission’s timeline.
INEC also issued a reminder that all political campaigns for the upcoming polls must end by midnight on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in accordance with electoral guidelines.
The announcement followed the Commission’s weekly meeting held in Abuja, where members reviewed the final preparations for the bye-elections, plans for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and the upcoming publication of candidate particulars for the 2026 FCT Area Council election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, said the bye-elections—triggered by resignations, deaths, or court orders—will cover two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo States, five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States, and nine state constituencies across Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara States.
According to him, INEC also confirmed that re-run elections will be held concurrently in Enugu South 1 State Constituency (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency (Kano State), as directed by the courts.
He said: “All non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the states. Election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), has been configured for the election. The recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, as well as security and logistics arrangements, have been concluded. The final consignment of sensitive materials will be delivered today as scheduled.
“The Commission wishes to remind political parties and candidates that campaigns end at midnight today, Thursday, 14th August 2025.
“With less than 48 hours to the opening of polls, the Commission reiterates its appeal to all those involved in the bye-elections—political parties, candidates, voters, party agents, observers, and the media—to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, regulations, and guidelines. Doing so will ensure seamless processes.”
The Commission also announced that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume on Monday, August 18, 2025, with online pre-registration. Physical registration will begin a week later, on August 25, at all 811 INEC offices across the states and local government areas.
“During the CVR, eligible Nigerians who are 18 years or older and have not previously registered can enroll, while existing voters will be able to update their information, transfer their registration, or replace lost or damaged PVCs.”
INEC reiterated that double or multiple registration remains a punishable offence under the law.
Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, INEC disclosed that 17 political parties successfully submitted nomination forms for 637 candidates contesting 68 positions six Chairmanship and 62 Councillorship seats by the deadline of Monday, August 11.
“In line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the personal particulars and credentials of all nominated candidates will be published and displayed in INEC offices across the six Area Councils on Monday, August 18, 2025.
“Nigerians are encouraged to scrutinize the submitted documents. Any aspirant with valid concerns about the authenticity of a candidate’s claims can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court under Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act.”
The final list of candidates will be published on September 22, 2025, while the FCT Area Council election is scheduled for February 21, 2026. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the public informed and ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process.
