The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a series of legislative by-elections will take place on 20 June 2026, coinciding with the Ekiti State governorship election.
Among the contests is the Ondo South Senatorial by-election, necessitated by the departure of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who recently took up his new role as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. His appointment has left constituents in Ondo South preparing to return to the polls to elect a new representative.
The electoral body confirmed that the off cycle elections will extend beyond Ondo State. Voters in Enugu, Nasarawa and Rivers states will also participate in senatorial by-elections, while additional polls will be conducted for a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during a brief ceremony marking the reception of a newly sworn-in National Commissioner, Jamila Malafa.
The decision to hold the by-elections alongside the Ekiti governorship race is expected to streamline logistics and reduce costs. For voters across the affected states, however, the day will carry added significance, offering multiple communities the opportunity to fill vacant seats and restore representation in their respective legislatures.
Starnews NG
