INEC sets August 16 for Bye-elections across 12 States

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced August 16, 2025, as the date for conducting 16 pending bye-elections across 12 states in the country.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during the second regular consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja on Thursday.

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Yakubu explained that the bye-elections would cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies, with a total of 3,553,659 registered voters expected to participate across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.

“In total, the Commission will deploy 30,451 officials for the exercise,” he stated.

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He, however, clarified that bye-elections would not hold in Khana II State Constituency in Rivers State due to the current state of emergency and Talata Mafara South in Zamfara State following a court case.

Yakubu also announced that party primaries for the bye-elections would take place between July 17 and July 21, 2025, while submission of nomination forms would run from July 22 to July 26, 2025. Campaigns will begin on August 2 and end by midnight of August 14, 2025.

In addition, INEC said it would conduct two outstanding court-ordered re-run elections—one in Enugu South I State Constituency in Enugu State and the other in Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State—on the same day as the bye-elections.

On voter registration, the Commission approved the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

For Anambra State, where a governorship election is scheduled, the CVR will hold from July 8 to July 17, 2025, across the 326 wards in the state, running daily from 9am to 3pm, including weekends.

Eligible voters in Anambra can register, apply for PVC replacement, or transfer their registration within the period.

For other states, nationwide online pre-registration will start on August 18, 2025, while physical (in-person) registration at INEC state and local government offices will commence on August 25, 2025.

“The detailed timetable for the nationwide exercise will be released shortly,” Yakubu said.

The INEC Chairman also warned political parties contesting the Anambra governorship election to stop the misuse of state-owned facilities for campaigns.

He emphasized that the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency advantage to deny opposition parties access to public spaces, media, or advertising platforms.

“Where there is evidence of violation, the Commission will work with IPAC and ARCON for possible legal action,” Yakubu warned.

The INEC boss appreciated the support from Nigerians and called for continued cooperation as the Commission works towards credible elections.

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