INEC Schedules Bye-Elections in 16 Constituencies for August 16
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced that bye-elections will be conducted across 16 constituencies in Nigeria on August 16, 2025. This move comes in response to vacancies created by various factors, including the resignation, death, or legal disqualification of elected officials.
According to a statement released by INEC, the bye-elections will take place simultaneously in constituencies spanning several states, covering both federal and state legislative seats. The Commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral process for all affected areas.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, noted that preparations are already underway. “We have finalized consultations with relevant stakeholders and are putting the necessary logistics in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful exercise. The success of these elections is a shared responsibility between INEC, political parties, security agencies, and the electorate,” he said.
The Commission further revealed that the detailed timetable for the elections, including the timelines for party primaries, campaign periods, and voter education activities, will be made available to the public in the coming days.
INEC urged political parties to conduct their primary elections in a transparent manner and within the stipulated guidelines. The Commission also appealed to citizens in the affected constituencies to take advantage of the continuous voter registration exercise to ensure they are eligible to vote on election day.
Security agencies have also been briefed to maintain law and order during the entire electoral process, with a strong focus on preventing voter intimidation and electoral violence.
Observers, civil society organizations, and international partners are expected to monitor the bye-elections to help guarantee fairness and boost public confidence in the outcome.
As the country prepares for this important democratic process, INEC reaffirmed its readiness to uphold its constitutional mandate and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system through credible p
olls.
