The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 16 bye-elections will be conducted across 12 states on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement during a meeting with political parties in Abuja.
According to him, a total of 3,553,659 registered voters will participate across 32 local governments, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.
The commission will deploy 30,451 officials to handle the elections.
Yakubu Warns Against Misuse of Public Resources
Prof. Yakubu condemned reports that incumbents were denying opposition parties access to public venues and media for campaigns.
“These actions are a violation of the Electoral Act 2022 which prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate,” he said.
Yakubu said INEC would partner with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to pursue legal action where evidence exists.
He said the commission had received multiple complaints, especially from opposition parties in Anambra State.
INEC promised to monitor campaign activities and ensure fairness for all political participants.
16 Vacant Seats and Two Re-Run Elections
The bye-elections cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies.
Yakubu explained that vacancies arose from resignations, deaths, and legal declarations.
In addition to the 16 bye-elections, INEC will also conduct re-run elections in Enugu South I and Ghari/Tsanyawa constituencies.
These were disrupted previously by violence and thuggery.
INEC said security agencies have now guaranteed a peaceful process in the affected areas.
“The two elections will be held along with the bye-elections on Saturday, August 16, 2025,” the INEC Chairman stated.
Continuous Voter Registration to Resume Nationwide
INEC also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will resume in two phases.
In Anambra State, CVR will begin on July 8 and end on July 17 across all 326 wards.
Eligible citizens will be able to register, transfer their voting details, or request replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“Uncollected PVCs from previous registrations will also be available for collection at the registration centres,” Yakubu said.
For the rest of the country, online pre-registration will begin on August 18, while physical registration starts on August 25.
The exercise will take place in all 774 local government offices and INEC’s state offices across Nigeria.
Yakubu warned that registration must conclude 90 days before any election, in line with the law.
Parties Get Timelines for FCT Council Elections
Yakubu reminded parties that primaries for the FCT Area Council elections must end by Monday, June 30.
He added that the candidate nomination portal will be open from July 21 to August 11.
“The portal will automatically shut down at 6.00pm on August 11, 2025,” he said.
He urged political parties to upload all documentation correctly and within the timeframe provided.
“Adhere strictly to the procedure and timelines, particularly the legal requirement for publishing candidates’ personal details for public scrutiny,” Yakubu added.
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