REGISTERED voters across 13 states of the federation will on Saturday, August 16, 2025, head to the polls to elect new representatives into the Senate, House of Representatives, and state houses of assembly.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that elections will take place in 16 constituencies spread across the affected states.
According to INEC, the exercise will involve two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies. The states where polls will be conducted include Jigawa, Edo, Ogun, Oyo, Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Kogi, Niger, Enugu, and Zamfara.
The elections are being held to fill seats left vacant as a result of resignation, court rulings, or the death of sitting members of the national and state assemblies.
The Anambra Central Senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in July 2024. Similarly, the Edo Central seat opened up after Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as governor of Edo State.
INEC also disclosed that re-run elections ordered by the courts will hold simultaneously in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Anambra State and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.
INEC said it had completed all logistical and technical preparations ahead of Saturday’s polls. Sensitive election materials were deployed to the affected states on Thursday, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been configured for use.
“All non-sensitive materials have been delivered, the recruitment and training of ad hoc staff have been concluded, and arrangements with security agencies finalized,” INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said in a statement.
The Commission reminded political parties and candidates that all campaigns officially ended at midnight on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
INEC also confirmed that the results of the elections will be transmitted electronically to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV). “By between 3 pm and 4 pm, depending on when polling units conclude, results will be uploaded to IReV for Nigerians to view in real time,” said Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman.
To ensure security during the polls, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a restriction on vehicular movement from 12 am to 6 pm on election day in affected local government areas.
Exceptions will only be made for those on essential services, including INEC officials, accredited journalists, election observers, medical emergency workers, and firefighters.
The police also reiterated the ban on security aides and escorts accompanying politicians and VIPs to polling units and collation centres.
Egbetokun said senior police officers, including Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police, have been deployed to the states to supervise security operations.
Tactical units such as the Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and Force Intelligence Department have also been mobilised.
He warned that state-backed security outfits and private guards were barred from participating in election security, urging police officers on duty to strictly follow operational protocols.
“The Nigeria Police Force has put in place robust arrangements to ensure citizens freely exercise their right to vote. We appeal to all voters to be law-abiding during and after the polls,” the IGP said in a statement signed by Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Ogunjobi.
The by-elections will feature candidates from several political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which secured a Federal High Court order compelling INEC to include its candidates in the contest across 12 states.
However, questions remain over the participation of the Labour Party (LP). “The issue of the Labour Party is still in court. I cannot comment on it as it will be subjudice,” Oyekanmi told Channels Television.
Both INEC and the Police have assured citizens of credible, transparent, and secure elections, even as voters in 13 states prepare to cast their ballots on Saturday.