RismadarVoice Reporters, June 15, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 26 candidates from eight political parties will compete in Saturday’s legislative by-elections scheduled across six states of the federation.
The polls will fill vacant seats in four senatorial districts, one House of Representatives constituency, and one state assembly seat, following a mix of deaths and resignations of sitting lawmakers.
According to INEC, the elections will be held in Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, and Kebbi States, with the commission assuring readiness for the exercise.
Nasarawa: Six candidates vie for senatorial seat
In Nasarawa State, six political parties are fielding candidates for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election, triggered by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who passed away on December 31, 2025, in India after a long illness.
The candidates include Alaku Mohammed Steve (ADC), Danladi Haliru Envulunza (APC), Labaran Maku (LP), Duba Ishaya Dodo (NDC), John Paul Araneshri (NNPP), and Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP).
The constituency covers Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas.
Enugu: Seven candidates on revised list
In Enugu State, INEC has cleared seven candidates for the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election following a review of its initial list amid objections and legal challenges.
The seat became vacant after the death of Senator Okey Ezea in November 2025.
Candidates on the final list are Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka (Boot Party), Eze Ejike Simon (LP), Ossai Elias Okwudili (NDC), Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP), and Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu (PRP).
Rivers: Four parties in senatorial contest
In Rivers State, four political parties will compete for the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District seat vacated by the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who died in February 2026.
Candidates include Douglas Fabeke Beeka (AA), Osarosaka Ebenezer Erewari (APC), Sam Kinanee Barikpoa (LP), and Nwogu Olaka Johnson (PDP).
INEC noted that over 858,000 registered voters are expected to participate across seven local government areas, with more than 1,600 polling units set up for the exercise.
Ondo: Four candidates for senatorial by-election
Ondo State will also witness a four-candidate race for the Ondo South Senatorial District seat previously occupied by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Those cleared are Prof. Dayo Faduyile (APC), Adeolu Akinwumi (APM), Adesanya Olaoluwa (APP), and Nejo Funso Clement (Boot Party).
The contest is spread across six local government areas, with more than 670,000 registered voters expected to participate.
Kano: Three-way race for House of Reps seat
In Kano State, three candidates will contest the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat following the death of lawmaker Mohammed Hassan in April.
The candidates are Rabiu Shuaibu (APC), Lawal Garba (APM), and Abubakar Mohammed (LP).
Kebbi: Two-party contest for assembly seat
In Kebbi State, only two parties met INEC requirements for the Zuru State Constituency by-election.
The APC is represented by Rabi’u Garba Aiki, while the Labour Party has fielded Alkali Aliyu M. Galadima.
The seat became vacant following the death of former Speaker Mohammed Usman Zuru.
INEC said the election will take place across 10 wards and 200 polling units in Zuru Local Government Area.
INEC has assured stakeholders of its preparedness for the polls, which are widely seen as an early test of party strength and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
