THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the completion of all arrangements for Saturday’s bye-elections across 12 states, confirming that sensitive materials have been delivered and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices fully configured.
In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the electoral body disclosed that the elections—scheduled for August 16, 2025—will take place in 16 constituencies nationwide.
These include two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo States; five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States; and nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (two), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara States.
Olumekun explained that the bye-elections were necessitated by vacancies created through the resignation or death of serving lawmakers. Court-ordered re-run elections will also be conducted in Onitsha South I State Constituency in Anambra State and Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency in Kano State on the same day.
“All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the states. BVAS devices are ready, ad-hoc staff have been recruited and trained, and security arrangements finalised,” the statement read. “The final batch of sensitive materials is being delivered today as scheduled.”
The Commission reminded political parties and candidates that campaigns officially end at midnight on Thursday, August 14, in line with electoral guidelines.
INEC also appealed to political parties, voters, observers, and the media to strictly follow legal provisions to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
In a related development, Olumekun announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will resume nationwide on Monday, August 18, starting with online pre-registration. Physical or in-person registration will follow on August 25 at the 811 INEC offices across Nigeria.
The CVR will allow eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above, who have not previously registered, to enrol. Voters can also transfer their registration within or across states, and replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
INEC emphasised that double registration remains a punishable offence under the law.
Olumekun further revealed that 17 political parties have submitted nominations for the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. A total of 637 candidates will contest 68 seats, comprising six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions.
In line with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC will publish the personal particulars and credentials of all candidates on August 18 for public scrutiny. Citizens who have credible evidence of false information in a candidate’s documents are encouraged to challenge such nominations in court.
The final list of candidates will be published on September 22, 2025, at least 150 days before the election—while INEC has pledged continuous updates to Nigerians as preparations progress.
