The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the legislative bye-elections scheduled to hold across six states on June 20, 2026. The elections will fill vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies following deaths, resignations, and other vacancies that occurred during the current electoral cycle.
According to INEC, the affected constituencies include the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Enugu North Senatorial District, Ondo South Senatorial District, Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, and the Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State. The elections will be conducted alongside the Ekiti State governorship election on the same day.
One of the most closely watched contests is the Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election, where former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, emerged as a candidate following his selection by the Labour Party. His candidacy has generated significant political interest due to his long-standing presence in Nigerian politics and his previous service at the federal level.
The Labour Party also produced candidates for other vacant seats, including diplomat Simon Ejike Eze in Enugu North Senatorial District and Engr. Sam Kinanee in Rivers South-East Senatorial District. The party described its primary elections as peaceful and conducted in accordance with INEC’s timetable.
Political observers view the June 20 polls as more than routine bye-elections. The contests are expected to serve as an early indicator of party strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. Major parties are likely to use the elections to test their structures, gauge voter sentiment, and strengthen their influence in key regions before the national campaign season intensifies.
INEC has urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, and voters to comply with electoral guidelines to ensure peaceful and credible elections. The commission maintains that all preparations remain on schedule as Nigerians in the affected constituencies prepare to elect new representatives.
As the campaigns gather momentum, attention will remain focused on whether established political figures can convert their popularity into electoral victories and how the outcomes may influence political alignments heading into the 2027 general elections.
