ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 16, 2025, for the conduct of outstanding by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states, according to an announcement by the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a quarterly meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The by-elections will fill vacant seats in both national and state assemblies caused by deaths, resignations, or court-ordered reruns, with over 3.5 million registered voters eligible to participate.
Yakubu disclosed that INEC would deploy 30,451 officials to conduct the elections, which will be held across 32 Local Government Areas, 356 registration areas (wards), and 6,987 polling units.
Breakdown of the Vacant Constituencies:
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Senatorial Districts (2):
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Anambra South
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Edo Central
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Federal Constituencies (5):
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Ovia South-West/Ovia South-East (Edo)
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Babura/Garki (Jigawa)
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Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna)
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Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun)
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Ibadan North (Oyo)
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State Constituencies (9):
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Ganye (Adamawa)
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Onitsha North I (Anambra)
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Dekina/Okura (Kogi)
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Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna)
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Bagwai/Shanono (Kano)
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Mariga (Niger)
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Karim Lamido I (Taraba)
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Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara)
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Rerun Elections Due to Violence:
Yakubu also announced that court-ordered re-run elections would be conducted in:
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Enugu South I (Enugu State)
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Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano State)
These previous elections were disrupted by thuggery and violence.
Excluded Constituencies:
INEC confirmed that no by-elections will be held in:
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Khana II State Constituency and other constituencies in Rivers State, due to the state of emergency declared in March 2025.
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Talata Mafara South (Zamfara State), where a legal dispute remains unresolved.
Timetable:
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Party Primaries: July 17–21, 2025
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Submission of Nomination Forms: July 22 (9:00 a.m.) – July 26 (6:00 p.m.)
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Campaign Period: August 2 – August 14, 2025 (ending at midnight, 24 hours before election day)
Yakubu said full details and timelines would be uploaded on INEC’s official website and digital platforms in the coming days to facilitate public awareness and stakeholder engagement.
