INEC conducts bye-elections in four Nigerian states to test 2027 readiness

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted five legislative bye-elections on September 19, 2026, across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states. These elections were held to fill vacancies caused by deaths, resignations, and political defections.

In the results, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured four victories, winning seats in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi (Disina), and Delta. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) won the Sakwa State Constituency seat in Bauchi. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan described the exercises as critical operational benchmarks and a “dress rehearsal” to test logistics, technology, and administrative readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While the elections were generally reported as peaceful, the commission noted that the process allowed for the identification and resolution of operational bottlenecks. The bye-elections serve as a key component of INEC’s roadmap to refine electoral processes and strengthen public confidence for future nationwide polls.