INEC Releases Timetable For Bye-Elections, Fixes Date To Resume Voter Registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out the timetable for upcoming bye-elections across the country, fixing Saturday, August 16, 2025, as the date for the polls.
The commission also announced the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), ahead of the Anambra governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held on Thursday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said the bye-elections became necessary following the declaration of vacancies in 16 constituencies spanning both the National and State Assemblies, arising from deaths, resignations and legal disputes.
The affected areas include two senatorial districts – Anambra South and Edo Central – and five federal constituencies: Ovia South-West/Ovia South-East in Edo State, Babura/Garki in Jigawa, Chikun/Kajuru in Kaduna, Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North in Ogun, and Ibadan North in Oyo State.
Nine state constituencies are also involved, including Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North I (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano), Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).
Yakubu said a total of 3,553,659 registered voters will participate in the bye-elections, which will be conducted in 32 Local Government Areas, 356 registration areas (wards), and 6,987 polling units.
However, two constituencies — Khana II in Rivers State and Talata Mafara South in Zamfara — will not hold elections due to security emergencies and ongoing court cases, respectively.
He stated that party primaries must be conducted between 17th and 21st July, while the online portal for submission of nomination forms will be open from 9am on 22nd July and close at 6pm on 26th July.
Campaigns are expected to begin on 2nd August and end by midnight on 14th August.
In addition to the bye-elections, the commission will also conduct two outstanding court-ordered re-run elections in Enugu South I State Constituency (Enugu) and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency (Kano) on the same day.
Speaking further, Prof Yakubu announced that Continuous Voter Registration will resume in Anambra State from 8th to 17th July across all 326 wards, ahead of the 2025 governorship election.
He also confirmed that the CVR will resume nationwide for new voters and those seeking to update their details.
According to the chairman, online pre-registration will commence on 18th August, while in-person registration will begin on 25th August at INEC offices in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as the 774 local government offices across the country.
He added that a detailed schedule for the CVR exercise would be released shortly.
Prof Yakubu urged political parties and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the timelines and play their part in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
