Nigerian by-election security measures

Nigerian police commands in Gombe and Bauchi states implemented security measures and peace agreements ahead of scheduled by-elections. In Gombe State, political parties signed a peace accord to prevent violence during the Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye Federal Constituency by-election. Commissioner of Police Umar Chuso warned candidates against thuggery and the use of social media to spread misinformation.

As the election approached, the Gombe State Police Command announced strict movement restrictions in the Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye local government areas from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day. Personnel and assets were deployed to polling units and collation centres in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). Authorities specified that only statutory security agencies under ICCES are authorized for election duties, excluding private security and vigilante groups.

On September 19, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted legislative bye-elections across Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, and Delta states to fill vacancies caused by deaths, resignations, and political defections. These included the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, Dawakin Kudu State Constituency, Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies, and Udu State Constituency. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan characterized these exercises as a “dress rehearsal” and “vital operational tests” for the 2027 general elections, noting they allow the commission to audit logistics, test technological deployment, and evaluate administrative readiness.

Following the polls, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured four seats, winning in Gombe, Kano, Delta, and Disina. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) won the Sakwa State Constituency in Bauchi. While the elections were generally reported as peaceful, the commission noted the process helped identify and resolve operational bottlenecks.