RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the recent legislative bye-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states will provide useful operational lessons ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, stated this over the weekend while monitoring the elections from the Commission’s National Situation Room at its headquarters in Abuja.
The Commission conducted bye-elections in four legislative constituencies: Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State; Dawakin Kudu State Constituency in Kano; Sakwa and Disina State Constituencies in Bauchi; and Udu State Constituency in Delta.
Mr Amupitan said the Commission would use the exercises to assess aspects of its electoral preparations, including logistics, technology and administrative processes.
“These four bye-elections furnish indispensable operational insights for the Commission as we methodically establish our strategic direction toward the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The INEC chairman said the Commission would not treat bye-elections as routine exercises because each election provides an opportunity to identify and address weaknesses ahead of nationwide polls.
“We must refrain from the inclination to characterise any exercise as merely a routine bye-election,” he said.
“Every election constitutes a fundamental element of our comprehensive preparations for the 2027 General Election, enabling us to consistently review our logistics infrastructure, validate our technological systems, and assess administrative field preparedness.”
Mr Amupitan monitored reports from the affected constituencies alongside National Commissioners and senior officials of the Commission.
He said INEC was committed to conducting elections with integrity and ensuring that operational challenges identified before polling were addressed promptly.
“Our fundamental responsibility in the Situation Room encompasses monitoring and preventive crisis management,” he said.
“Any administrative or field difficulties that emerged before election day were effectively managed by the Commission at their inception.”
The Commission is expected to draw on the experience from the bye-elections as it continues preparations for the 2027 general elections.
